How many bulbs

So I know I have posted a thread awhile back about lighting. I ordered a 24inch aquaticlfie dual FW fixture for my planted tank and really like it so am thinking about ordering one for my SW tank ( 36inch SW model of course)

It seems that almost everybody uses a quad bulb fixture if not a six bulb. My question is why? Is it because most people do SPS? I enjoy having very long photo periods of 12-14hours and do not want to burn out my corals. Since I plan on doing mostly softies, zoas, and lps would anything greater then a dual bulb fixture be harmful to my corals? An idea of a coral stocklist for me at this point would be xenias, blue snowflake polyps, zoas, frogspawn, and chalices.

With that said how good are the aquaticlife bulbs it comes with a 10k and a 420nm actinic and free replacement bulbs of which I could get a 460nm purple actinic if I chose to do so.

 

That's most likely the case, as many SPS corals are very light-demanding.

I don't have that particular fixture, but I do have the Nova Extreme 2-bulb T5HO on my 29h soft coral tank. The OEM bulbs (1 12000k, 1 420nm Actinic) were sufficient; when I switched to ATI (2 Coral Plus), I had to reacclimate the tank, and to this day, I can't get past 8 hours without my mushrooms closing before lights go off. I also can't move my Colt or Toadstool up off the bottom.

 

So go dual bulb and no quads? Im thinking I may be able to do an easier SPS if kept near the top of the tank as well even with duals prob just could never do a clam which is fine with me. If I try to have to long a photo period will thge corals start to close up and kind of tell me enough is enough? I know when I leave them on real late the clowns stop swimming and go into their corner to sleep kind of like telling me ok enough is enough its bedtime lol

 

Yes. I would'nt be afraid to place a SPS near the top in my tank, especially with the ATI bulbs, although flow may be another issue in such a small space.

Yes, they will close when they've had enough (at least mine do).

 

2 bulbs will be fine for a mixed tank it you place SPS, maxima and crocea clams near the top.