depth and light spread

[redkamel]

I am currently planning my dream tank (60x36x24). I am a little worried about light spread...at 36" wide, I am concerned a single light bar (likely a giesmann LED/T5) won't cover it. Most light are only rated at 24". But there is not enough width for 2 light bars. Plan to keep 75/25 soft/hard corals, any calcerous corals would be near the center for sure, with likely only 1-3 SPS colonies.

Whats the widest tank someone has run with a single light along the length?

[Atomic081]

i have a 4ft tank and after my research i went with metal halides because of the spread. I cant speak for the T5s, but LEDs generally (not always) have a very narrow spread. in my case metal halides were actually less wattage because of the ability to have a wide spread reflector than leds would have been.

[redkamel]

Originally Posted by Atomic081

i have a 4ft tank and after my research i went with metal halides because of the spread. I cant speak for the T5s, but LEDs generally (not always) have a very narrow spread. in my case metal halides were actually less wattage because of the ability to have a wide spread reflector than leds would have been.

thanks. My backup plan is LED cans, I could do MH but I've had them before and the hassle of a chiller (I also live in a hot area) and the massive power bill makes them a little less appealing...perhaps as a last resort.