5ft lights on a 6ft tank?

[TheDragonsReef]

If you're running t5s or strip Leds on a 72in tank, is it worth it to make the lights 72in also or will 60in lights centered over the tank cover the ends just fine?

 

[hubble]

I am wondering the same thing. I'm planning on a 72" tank and want to use the ATI T5 fixture but it only comes in 60" length. I also want to add the actinic blue Lumi lights to the front and back of the fixture and these come in 60" and 72" size. Not sure how to proceed.............

 

[NYCMAN]

I have 60 inch fixture with T5s, MH and Reefbright LED strip on my 72 in tank. Can't imagine you would need to light all the way to the sides given the dispersion. My glass is 3/4 inch so that would be 70.5 inches, so about 5 inches on each end, and that is not where you place your coral anyway.

 

[bobnicaragua]

I have a 72" sps tank and light it edge to edge with multiple 3 ft orphek bars and t5s.

I couldn't imagine NYCMAN would be able to grow any sps with only 60 inches of Halide, T5, and LED!

 

[NYCMAN]

I have a 72" sps tank and light it edge to edge with multiple 3 ft orphek bars and t5s.

I couldn't imagine NYCMAN would be able to grow any sps with only 60 inches of Halide, T5, and LED!

LOL. I take that as good humor (not the ice cream bar). My 1300+ watts on my 200G tank has no issues growing SPS. In fact, it flat tops (like the 60s style mens hairstyle) at the surface).

 

[bobnicaragua]

In my mind you have the ideal light setup for growing sticks. How about some pics?

 

[NYCMAN]

I rebuilt this tank in December so it is in month 3. I salvaged the rock and coral, fragging them. Had to break it down b/c of over growth. A good problem to have, or maybe not. Just replaced the Lifereef sump, skimmer, etc. with all Bashsea plus new custom fuge. Running 2 MP60s. Lighting is 3 250W+ Radion 20Ks, 4 ATI T5s and Reefbright LED strip. Loving the Bashsea skimmer. Put a waste collector on it last week. Using Geo CalkRx, replacing a Lifereef one recently.

 

[Skynyrd Fish]

I’m running a 60” tank with an ATI 48” fixture sps packed.

 

[anthonygf]

I rebuilt this tank in December so it is in month 3. I salvaged the rock and coral, fragging them. Had to break it down b/c of over growth. A good problem to have, or maybe not. Just replaced the Lifereef sump, skimmer, etc. with all Bashsea plus new custom fuge. Running 2 MP60s. Lighting is 3 250W+ Radion 20Ks, 4 ATI T5s and Reefbright LED strip. Loving the Bashsea skimmer. Put a waste collector on it last week. Using Geo CalkRx, replacing a Lifereef one recently.

I think you need more snails, lol

 

[hubble]

Good to know this is doable. I've even thought about going with Halides but I have never had them and know nothing about them. I think LED's are out because of the cost to cover a 72" tank.

 

[Billldg]

I will use a 60in hybrid with 5 radion g5 blues on my 72in tank.

 

[nereefpat]

A 5 foot T5 will cover a 6 foot tank with no problem.

 

[hubble]

Thanks.............

 

[Eagle_Steve]

6’ 180 gallon with a 60” hybrid fixture. 6x kessil a360. Picture is only t5s. Coverage is fine, as the t5s spread light so well. Bulbs are 2x AB special, blue plus and a c+

 

[Viking_Reefing]

I have a 150cm tank and a 120cm giesemann aurora + 2x 120 orphek or3 bars. It seems to work just fine.

You’ll be fine :)

 

[Paul B]

My 6' tank has had 5' lights over it for decades. Now there are 3 square LED fixtures and they re not even 5'

 

[Midrats]

Six inches on each side is nothing, you are good. I think it looks better too when the light is slightly shorter than the tank.

 

[hubble]

It seems I am worried about nothing. I'll plan on a 60" T5 with Lumi lights. Thanks guys.....................

 

[TheDragonsReef]

Thanks guys, just purchased some 60in reefbrite xhos

 

[nereefpat]

Thanks guys, just purchased some 60in reefbrite xhos

For LED strip lights, you'll want a 72" fixture to cover a 72" tank.