36" 4x39w T5 over 4' 120g

[Aquavaj]

I want to supplement the (2) A360WE currently on the 120g with T5 for more diffused lighting. The Aquatic Life T5/LED hybrid fixture would be ideal but I'm looking for the lowest cost solution right now. I have a 36" t5/mh fixture that I can gut for the T5s and retrofit it into the canopy. Mounted the lights will be about 7-8" off the water on the 24" high tank.

I know there may be some darkening on the edges with the shorter bulbs but would the output of the bulbs be enough to penetrate down to be worth the effort? The top of my scape will be about 20" from the lights. This is a mixed reef and at the moment just some easy sps at the top of the scape but will expand to some more demanding sps once tank matures.

 

[dbl]

I added a 36" T5 hybrid fixture to my 4x4x2 standard 120g and it's working out great. I too was a little worried about the "ends" being "dark", but it's not even remotely an issue. Although I have six bulbs, your four bulbs will penetrate the depth just fine.

Just my opinion and I'm sure others will vary.