4' lights on 6' tank

[danielson1506]

I was wondering if anyone had 48" lights on a 72" tank. I currently have a old 48" coralife power compact light on my 180g and need an upgrade. Its directly over the live rock and corals and nothing is on the sand and sitting on the tank braces. I was surprised by the shadows on the sides of the tank are not as noticable as I would have guessed but I dont have any corals under the shadows.

I want to upgrade to a T5 retro to cover the front to back while saving on electricity as much as I can. I wanted to ask because 80w vs 54 adds up with more bulbs.

Thanks

 

[GrampaDon]

Opinions will vary ,but I am like you about the cost factor. I run 48in T5 on a 60in tank. And feel like the minimal shadowing is fine.
And a better place for lower light stuff. So with a 6 light setup and good reflectors you should be ok. Just my .02

 

[billdogg]

I have 4 x 48" VHO on my 150 - but it is home to just my 4' undulated moray - works just fine IMO