Jonnyboy
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
Yes you would have a larger selection of manufacturers for bulbs with a 36" fixture. My reasoning for purchasing the 72" was less parts to fail in one fixture, as opposed to 2 fixtures. Oddysea sells 60" bulbs for replacement in the 72" fixture. Also the 72" fits the tank well.
36" will hit in the middle of the glass canopy with no support.
That's another thing. My tank is an aqueon so it has. Two supports in the middle. Maybe I should go with 3 24" fixtures?