lights on a 6ft tank

amy

a.k.a. achu
Dec 1, 1999
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Austin, TX
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I've come to the realization that I'm not going to have enough time to DIY a canopy and lights. So I'm settling for T5 fixtures that I can lay flat on top of the glass lids of my 6ft long 180gal tank. The tank has 2 braces. If I get a pair of 36" long fixtures will the braces get in the way? Are three 24" fixtures a better way to go even though it will cost a little more? My general goals for this tank are to support low light plants, a big school of something yet to be determined, and very low maintenance.
 
They're plastic braces. I just went to measure them; they're 3" wide so that means I'll end up losing 6" of lighting if I get two 36" fixtures. Seems like a waste of light, but then maybe it doesn't matter that much since I'm thinking low light.

I've seen quite a few folks happy with their fishneedit T5s. Do they have reflectors?
 
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