Lighting

[seaspy]

I'm continually seeing people selling lighting setups that are shorter than what I would assume the length of their tank would be. Is this normal? I'm new to this but I want to get some good lighting so that I can start adding corals and anemones, etc. Would a 36" setup work on a 48" 50 gal? I thought they had to stretch the whole length of the aquarium. Help please. :notsure:

 

[nemo's mom]

If you set them up on the top of the tank, you would want them the full lenght. If you hang them from the ceiling, it can be shorter.....

 

[mopar9012]

i dont think a 36 would work on a 50. on mine i have a 29 gallon and im pretty sure the orginal lights are 24 inches but i had to buy 30 inch PC lights for mine. the dont hang over the tank though.
it might work but i dont think it will.

 

[joesalmi]

Sorry this is a but off from the actual subject but sticking with the whole lighting thing, what does everyone think about the Moon lights? Do they really help? Or is it just for looks?

 

[zanoshanox]

You will get more light throughout the tank the longer the light is. Pendants that are elevated and such work fine but you usually need more than one.

 

[seaspy]

So I guess I better hold out for 48". Thanks for the input everyone!