72" tank, 60" fixture

[BCreefmaker]

I was wondering If a 60" 2x250w MH 2x80w T5 Fixture will light a 72" 125G tank without leaving a spotlight effect or unlit areas on the sides? The reason I ask is because I am getting a new light for the 72" tank but there is a center brace. I am worried the center brace will make the 3rd and center MH in the average 72" fixture useless because of the spotlight effect it will create. Will it be that noticeable? or will the T5's mask most of the effect?

 

[potterjon]

I was looking at a used fixture with 3 metal halides on my 72" tank but opted against it because I was worried the heat would melt my center brace. Not too worried about the dead spot it may create. Just a thought.

 

[chris1292]

I have 60" t5s on a 72 and they light the whole tank

 

[jimmy n]

2 250 watt bulbs in a 6 foot tank won't quite do it. You'd have to put them way to high to cover 3 feet a piece. Get a 3 bulb fixture and place it high up (12"+) and the brace won't leave a spot light effect.

 

[BCreefmaker]

So if the light is 1 foot off the top of the tank the spotlight effect will be minimized to being unnoticeable? This tank will be setup in a public area, will that create blinding issues? The tank currently has no canopy. I was planning on running the light much closer since the tank has a glass top already to protect the lights.

http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/hm-cs52501/Cebu+Sun+60+Inch+Metal+Halide+Fixture+%282-250W+4-80W+T5%29.html

or

http://www.jlaquatics.com/product/hm-cs62501/Cebu+Sun+72+Inch+Metal+Halide+Fixture+%283-250W+4-80W+T5%29.html