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Polyp Addict
02/04/2016, 10:38 AM
Would a 24'' T5 fixture too short to light up a 36'' lenght tank? I have a great offer on a ATI Sunpower fixture and just wanted thoughts. Currently running one single Kessil A360W on it.

sixpackgarage
02/04/2016, 10:54 AM
IMHO it's too short. It will do great for the middle of the tank, but you will have some dark edges. You could pile up all your livestock in the middle I guess

RocketEngineer
02/04/2016, 11:11 AM
I don't see a problem with it.

http://i299.photobucket.com/albums/mm289/RocketEngineer/Office%2040B%20Reef/2-1-16%20005_zpspj5orlx1.jpg (http://s299.photobucket.com/user/RocketEngineer/media/Office%2040B%20Reef/2-1-16%20005_zpspj5orlx1.jpg.html)

I'm about 6" off the water which definitely helps. Given that the only thing at the ends of this tank are powerheads, that 6" doesn't cause me any issues.

Hazmatreefer7
02/07/2016, 01:10 PM
I use a 4 lamp 24" t5 fixture with ATI bulbs on over my 40 breeder. I only keep softies, LPS and one Monti cap though. It is really up to you and what you have in the tank. Def don't go less than 4 lamps. Just my opinion from my limited 3yr experience in the hobby so take it at face value haha.http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/picture.php?albumid=10635&pictureid=73649

Zacktosterone
02/10/2016, 01:57 PM
Would a 24'' T5 fixture too short to light up a 36'' lenght tank? I have a great offer on a ATI Sunpower fixture and just wanted thoughts. Currently running one single Kessil A360W on it.

that 24" fixture is perfect.... depending how many bulbs it has

Jmason95
02/10/2016, 02:28 PM
I ran a 24" 6 then 8 bulb Sunpower on my 3 foot tank and had no shaded spots or edges whatsoever.

Saltwatercoral2
02/10/2016, 03:19 PM
a 24" fixture would be perfect on a 36" tank. In fact alot of people run the shorter fixtures on there tank. 24 on a 36" tank,,,36 on a 48" tank.. I know I did it and it was perfect..

You obviously have to hang the fixture , so if you had a 36" light on a 36" tank, your gonna be lighting the carpet/floor..

Hentz
02/11/2016, 02:01 AM
No problems here

http://i1350.photobucket.com/albums/p764/HentzReef/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsusckub2y.jpeg (http://s1350.photobucket.com/user/HentzReef/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsusckub2y.jpeg.html)

Spectorman
02/11/2016, 07:20 AM
There are many corals that love bright, direct, light. There are plenty that like indirect and low light. I see no, problem with it.

zelie_dad
02/11/2016, 09:51 AM
Wow, I had this exact same question. I was looking at a 36" fixture, but from the comments and pictures a 24" looks like it will be work