150 Gallon Build Thread ... From the Start

Also with a 48" strip you have to figure in the 2 12" areas that won't have direct lighting. Depending what you plant to put in your corners that could cause a problem. I find it best to keep a even source of light over all areas of a tank. Just my oppinion BTW.
 
I think what you might want to do (this is what I like to do anyway) is go into Photoshop or something comparable and draw up your plan for what you want to do in it. Plant/wood/rock layout and everything. Do research on what plants you want and where you want them and just draw up a overview plan of what you are looking for. Then afterwards find what needs to be done to achieve that goal. It gives you an idea of the requirements and where you need the lights and such. Also let's you blueprint your tank.
 
But concerning the lights I think T-5's would be your best bet. If you are willing to spend some time you might even be able to save a buck by making your own ballast and connecting it to your hood. That way you can get the best of both worlds. Just be sure you know how to wield a drill and such, cause otherwise it might be a mess. (I haven't actually looked at the prices of T-5 Ballast’s so I could be blowing hot air up your ***, but what I have learned is as long as time isn't a factor, anything sold in a aquarium store can be made for a fraction of the price.)

I can drill, cut, glue, build, etc - but anything past a knife, fork, and spoon is a bit of a stretch for me (lol). I like the take it out of the box, put in place, plug in, and turn on - that's the path of least resistance that I love most!!

I'm a plant grower man (lol) with a bit of a knack for making things in a tank full of water look half way presentable (lol) - I should stick to my strengths!
 
I think then as long as you put lower light plant's in the corners a 48" strip would work best. Anything over 48" you are paying more per watt than before.
 
ignore what i said lol my math is off today.. 48x2 = 96 and coys tank is 72" which means he would need 2x36" strips and those have less wattage

When I looked at the link you sent I just went right to the 36" - that's 78 watts (correct?). 4 fixtures is 300 and a little change.

Dial it up to your next group BK ... we need more!!
 
Example a 48" strip (eight 54 watt T-5's) 386.99. For a 72" with 12 39 watt T-5's is 729.99. From what I looked up at Dr. Foster and Smith's.
 
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