T5, but how much?

I'm trying to budget for the tank that I'm building. I've read through the stickies here, but I still can't quite figure out how much light I'm going to need. It will be 48"x18"x12" (LxHxW), which, after figuring the glass thickness, comes out to about a 43g long. I figure that since I'm running a pretty short tank, I probably don't need the all the lighting normally associated with a 43g.

I'm trying to plan ahead, because I know I'll hit little stumpers (or sizeable monetary decisions) like this. Anything else you need to know, I'll answer whenever I'm near my computer throughout the day. I've become a little addicted to reading through the site.
Thank in advance.

 

What are you planning to keep in the tank? The answer to your question may depend on that. If you want to keep SPS in it, you may consider 4 T5s minimum.

 

You would be fine with a four bulb t5 fixture with SLRs, that will allow you to keep anything happy IMO

 

Yes i agree. Get a fixture 216w fixture. It is 4 48" 54w T5s. Make sure each bulb has its own reflector (SLR). Would you like some recommendations on exactly which fixture from us?

 

theres a decent one its a nova extreme PRO make sure its the pro has this one has the SLRs, if you can splurge i suggest a tek fixture as they are awsome and worth the extra IMO! if not check out fishneedit.com decent esp for the price, not slrs but still good bang for the buck!

 

Back from my filling! The numbness has receded surprisingly quickly.

I was planning on mostly softies. But since you guys are saying that this much light could support SPS, all the better. I've recently fallen in love with green stylophoras, so that's great news. In all likelihood though, I'll be starting out as all soft (I have no idea how to take care of SPS) with some zoas and misc fish/cleanup crew. I've been kicking around the idea of a sand bottom as they are very aesthetically pleasing.

I had been surfing around a sponsor's site, and found this nice setup. there's no mention of the SLR feature, but it looks present in the tiny picture? I'm willing to make the investment, I just wanted to make sure it was an investment I was making, and not a money hole I was feeding; be it through excess or lack of power.

But, with the money I would be putting into this lighting, should I alter the dimensions of my tank? I haven't purchased the glass yet. Maybe I should go slightly bigger? I think I could really only afford to make it taller. It's supposed to go on my desk; much larger front to back and I render the desk minimally useful.

As far as recommendations go, I will appreciate any serious recommendations.

 

that could support most anything in a 75 gallon tank! I had a four bulb fixture in a 75 gallon tank, it was a tek light with SLRs and i kept any thing and everything happy! including clams at the bottom of the tank on the sand bed!

 

Height of the tank is the least useful dimension. Increasing height does not really increase swimming area for most fish, and it increases your light requirements. If I were in your shoes, I would either stick with my current design, or else get a longer tank (the most important dimension for swimming and stocking). But I would not keep same length and width and only increase height.

 

You could always increase the width of the tank. The extra few inches will provide much need room for a better stack! I totally agree with JJK, height is useless, people used to ask me why i choice the 180 over a 220, buts its simple the higher the tank the more expensive and more power lights you need and it really doesnt add much to the reef IMO

 

Aren't your original dimensions almost the exact of a 55g tank?
dimensions are LxWxH.
55g tank....48 1/4 x 12 3/4 x 21
original dimensions. 48x12x18

Will be much cheaper to purchase a 55g. You can find them for $70 almost anywhere. You can find them used on CL for $50 easily.