From what you've described, I'd probably stick with the two-light approach rather than trying to find a single fixture that covers the whole 60". I've had much better luck getting even coverage that way, especially on tanks that are 24" front to back.
If you're leaning toward the Fluval 3.0, two 48" units overlapping a bit in the middle is a solid setup. The overlap sounds like it worked well on your other tank, and with a low-tech planted setup you can always dial the intensity back if needed. It's usually easier to reduce light than to wish you had more.
One thing I'd pay attention to is front-to-back coverage rather than just length. On deeper tanks, even if the PAR is enough, plants near the front glass can end up shaded if the fixture is mounted too far back. Taking a little time to position the lights before filling the tank can make a noticeable difference.
Since you're planning mostly foreground and midground plants, I wouldn't chase maximum output. Consistent, even lighting across the tank will probably give you better results than creating a really bright center with dimmer ends. That also tends to make algae management a bit easier in low-tech tanks.
It sounds like you've already learned what works from your other 60", so I'd be inclined to build on that rather than reinvent the setup.
If you're leaning toward the Fluval 3.0, two 48" units overlapping a bit in the middle is a solid setup. The overlap sounds like it worked well on your other tank, and with a low-tech planted setup you can always dial the intensity back if needed. It's usually easier to reduce light than to wish you had more.
One thing I'd pay attention to is front-to-back coverage rather than just length. On deeper tanks, even if the PAR is enough, plants near the front glass can end up shaded if the fixture is mounted too far back. Taking a little time to position the lights before filling the tank can make a noticeable difference.
Since you're planning mostly foreground and midground plants, I wouldn't chase maximum output. Consistent, even lighting across the tank will probably give you better results than creating a really bright center with dimmer ends. That also tends to make algae management a bit easier in low-tech tanks.
It sounds like you've already learned what works from your other 60", so I'd be inclined to build on that rather than reinvent the setup.
