For a 72" long tank, 1 big bulb (1x 72)? or two smaller ones(2x 36)?

[ensign_lee]

Hey all,

This may seem like a stupid question, but let's say I have a standard 125 gallon tank, 72" long.

I'm thinking about replacing my light fixtures at the top that house my fluorescent lights. My tank came with two fixtures that were each 36". Should I buy two more that are 36"? Or should I buy 1 big long one that will cover the length of the tank that is 72"

On first glance, it seems the 72" one is a no brainer. I have to buy fewer light bulbs, and the incremental cost of going from 1 tube to a longer tube is <<< buying two smaller ones.

Am I missing something? What do y'all do?

[mistahoo]

I doesn't matter which you go with. It's your preference. If I were in your situation, I'd get the 72" just because it looks nicer on the tank. It also will put out more and cost a whole lot more for the fixture itself.

[Totenkampf]

if you have plants then you will definately want more intense lighting. a 72" lamp will typically put out more lumens than two 36" lamps. i would go with a 72" fixture for the lamp replacement cost savings as well, the power consumption is typically about the same (for example 2x36" T5HO are 78W, 1x72" T5HO is 80W).

[BrAin]

Before I sold the tank I had 4x 48's. Lighting was so so. Hornwort grew pretty good but that was about it. 2x36's would leave dim areas in the corners.

[Totenkampf]

i was assuming he was going to install the 36" fixtures end to end, not much light either way especially if hes considering T8 lamps