Lighting 50g tank

[Iomegared]

I am trying to upgrade my current 30g (36x12 1/2x17)to a 50 breeder tank 36x18x18. Would like to know if my lighting witch is a 36 inch Sundial T5HO would be efficient lighting. I'm tryn to get the biggest tank size for my current lights, any suggestions or input is great. Currently have a kenya tree, green finger leather, polyps, galixea and what i believe to be a Young Blushing Finger Leather Coral. Mostly a softy tank, also planing on getting a xenia, and Candy Cane Coral but just more softy's. Would like to know if the lights can handle the depth(with 3inch of sand bed)and more so the width of the tank thats why i figure a breeder tank would be my limmit. Hope thats all the info need'd thank you for the help! =D

[Loverotties]

One bulb?

[Iomegared]

It wont let me post a link to a site its 4 bulb.

Lighting System – Total Control

• Individually contoured reflectors for maximum light intensity
• Dual integrated timers and automatic photocell for dawn/dusk and lunar lighting control
• Cool running, performance-driven electronic ballasts
• European style high output T5 lamps
• Rear-mounted fans designed for standard aquarium canopy installations
• Dimensions 36.125" x 9.5" x 3.75"

[Iomegared]

features the SlimPaq 10,000k and 460nm Actinic High Output T5 lamps

[Iomegared]

Srry about that says i need 20 posts for a link hope thats the info u need on the lighting.

[aquawolf]

Since that fixture is only 9 3/4 inches wide and you have an 18" deep tank, I am not sure that it will be enough. You may have 4 inches in the front and another 4 in the back that are not very well lit. This could play to your advantage with softies though, especially if you get some non photosynthetic corals like the sun or chili coral.

[Iomegared]

yeah i wasnt shur i do plan on to just maintain soft corals and the others that i said i did plan on getting. but yeah the width of the tank and the light i wasnt shur about so if i did get a maxi clam witch i just thought about it would just have to be directly under the lighting?

[Iomegared]

would you recommend a smaller tank with different dimensions? =)

[aquawolf]

I like the deeper tanks as it can be a pain to aquascape in a 12" footprint. You could try it with the light fixture you have, and if it does not seem to be working possibly pick up a 2 bulb fixture to add to what you already have.

[Iomegared]

I do agree with the comment about aquascaping i just wanted it simple because im running a 305 fluval with a AquaC remora + the hang on skimmer (Maxi Jet 1200). With enough live rock for a 55g. I just wanted a simple upgrade like just placing a bigger tank with what i already have in my current tank all i would have to probably do is get more live sand an a new koralia. Everything fit for a 55- 75 gallon tank. what is holding me back is the light witch is why i was asking about the width of the breder tank because naturally the lenth of my 36 inch light wont give me much to work with. Even a minor upgrade is fine. later ill just get somthing bigger and have the 30g for a frag tank.

[aquawolf]

Having more tanks always comes into play here. Just look at my signature line.