Bulb/Bar length

[Charley75]

So I’m about to order some quanta pro bars for my tank to replace my T5s that died. I was running a 36” Reefbrite Supra fixture over my standard 90 (48” long). The fixture just had 2 T5s and a Reefbrite blue XHO LED bar attached to the center. Never had a problem…everything grew great. So Quanta Pro is really emphasizing going with bars the full length of the tank. Is this really necessary?

 

[Charley75]

Anyone???

 

[Charley75]

Any thoughts?

 

[rocket098]

I would get the 48 inch and you can cover some of the edges of the light to prevent light spill Accordingly. The price difference is not that big.

 

[oreo54]

So I’m about to order some quanta pro bars for my tank to replace my T5s that died. I was running a 36” Reefbrite Supra fixture over my standard 90 (48” long). The fixture just had 2 T5s and a Reefbrite blue XHO LED bar attached to the center. Never had a problem…everything grew great. So Quanta Pro is really emphasizing going with bars the full length of the tank. Is this really necessary?

Necessary? No.
Preferred? Probably.

Depends on your goals, hanging height, par needs, and tolerance to either some spill or some err dead space.

 

[Charley75]

So my tank has glass braces on the top sides that come about 3.5” on each side. Would that make a difference.

 

[Charley75]

I also have a full canopy, so no light spill to consider.

 

[Charley75]

Thoughts???? I know it really comes down to a $50 difference, Every penny helps me with the wife. Also since my Reefbrite is 36”, probably easier figuring out a way to connect them all mounting if all the same length.

 

[minus9]

If you can fit the 48” bar then I would get it. It’s about coverage and utilizing bounce/reflection from the glass, which maximizes coverage. I have a 36x36x16 tank and I bought three 3’ bars. Having used 2’ bars on that same tank, the extra length makes all the difference. But if you need to create lower light zones in the corners, then getting the shorter bars makes sense.

 

[Bpb]

I prefer full end to end coverage. Light approaching from the ends of the tank even out light distribution

 

[Charley75]

Will the braces at each end matter….the light going through them first b4 entering the tank?

 

[minus9]

There will be some loss in intensity, but it's probably minimal compared to it not being illuminated at all. Reflection off the inside of the tank will help make up that loss and redirect the light that otherwise wouldn't exist.