light fixtures to use over a 36'' tank

[pandamonium]

Hey everyone,

Stupid question coming up >< So I might be upgrading my light soon over my 40 gallon. It is 4 13W CFL bulbs 6500K about 20 inches above substrate. Noticed that the bottom leaves on my stauro are gone. They look like little trees, trunk and then top leaves. My question was that most T5 or T8 bulbs are sold as either 24 or 36 inch bulbs. I'm then guessing that the fixtures are slightly larger to accommodate. What is a good fixture size to use? Not asking about lighting, just about the size of the fixture. Is a 36in fixture the right size and will fit my tank? The reason I ask is because most bulbs are that length and I think the hoods are longer which makes me question the fit. I plan to use either 1-2 T5HO or use my CFLs again mounted vertically instead of the horizontal way I have them mounted now.
Also, what are some good but cheap fixtures that would fit a 40gal? I am a college student and my summer job ended last week (swim instructor). Thanks

[Hoppy]

T5 "3 foot" bulbs are about 34 inches long, as I remember. A 36 inch light fixture will fit on a 36 inch long tank.

[pandamonium]

Oh ok, thanks Hoppy. I went to my LFS and I measured the bulbs they had and they were about 35 inches long, which is why I asked. They were T8. I now realize why I didn't think they would fit. My hood was the one that came with the tank and it sits into the trim. That's why I measured it to be shorter than 36''. Stupid me hahaha.
Do you have any good recommendations for a fixture?