Great points. I've got a 48" twin-tube T5HO on my 55 (w/ center brace). Never thought about a dead spot at the brace, but you don't notice it much with how the fluorescent throws out light. Problem with T5HO is the heat. Not a big deal in the winter for me, but I can see where the cool nature of LEDs would be a bonus for Hawaii heat/humidity. My tanks can hit low 80's easily in the summer. I keep them at ~72 the rest of the year.
This is true. The middle of my tank is mostly bare as well. The idea of running two light fixtures came to me because I did not have enough money to buy a 48" fixture and I all ready had the 24 inch fixture that was on the 29gallon tank. I hope to upgrade sometime in the near future (just read some articles on the Aquaray Growbeam). All of my smaller tanks need to be upgraded to LED too because as of now they are all running DIY lights (except one that has a clip on LED that is not really made for plant growth but is still doing a decent job). So, when the time comes and I have enough money for a 49" fixture, then I can place the 2 CS+ fixtures on each one of my 10 gallon tanks
I have been toying with the idea of adding panels and hinges so that it becomes a functioning cabinet, but I am also thinking of making another shelf in between the top and base. I would use the shelf to hold my 29 gallon tank that I want to turn into a Bufo marinus terrarium.
Thanks ktrom. I all ready have the tank stocked with 8Xray tetra, 5peppered cory, 4 otocinclus, 1 gold ram i will be adding:
