[zoalord]

90Gallon tank with canopy, However the canopy rests on the tank so that a single 48inch light in the normal blake plastic enclosure was to long to go inside the canopy.

So presently I was looking at this setup
T-5 Aquarium Lighting: Nova Extreme T-5 Fixtures w/Lunar Lights

36inch so that everything would fit.

Is this a good lighting system for corals, live rock, and fish or am I just tossing money down the drain? Do I need to save for a more expensive lighting system
Thanks for your opinions and answers

[Tonz of fun]

I currently have a nova fixture with t5s. It is not the best unit. There are two problems that I see right away. You will have 12 inches of tank that doesnt have light. That is huge. I wouldnt recommend it. The other is you want a t5 fixture that has individual reflectors. Its what makes t5s so special. You can buy a retro fit kit that would fit in your hood for sure...Go to the tank of the month and look at Jason Ls tank. I think he has a good fixture but is not retro fit.

[jimw369]

People are telling me the Nova Extreme Pro has individual reflectors. Might want to check into those.

[Tonz of fun]

Originally Posted by jimw369

People are telling me the Nova Extreme Pro has individual reflectors. Might want to check into those.

I think its one reflector that is bent to be individual reflectors...

[zoalord]

right now im looking into the 48 sundial t5HO because everyone seems to give it great reviews and it would be the width of the tank.

[Adam J]

I am running the 36'' sundial over a 30g(36''x12''x16'').I have lps,softies,zoes,and a couple of sps towards the top and everything looks great.The lighting system itself is well built.The reflectors are actually one that is bent for each bulb.I'm sure the ''true'' individual are better but the bent one seems to be an improvement over the single reflector.The Tek and a few others are probably better but for the money I like the Sundial.The moonlights and timers all work well although when the lights cut off the timers clicks kind of loud.

[zoalord]

ok ive discovered that my canopy can only support 47" or lower lighting systems because it takes an inch to sit on top of the tank.

Am I doomed to a 36inch lighting system? or are there customs out there im not aware of?

[jimw369]

Originally Posted by zoalord

ok ive discovered that my canopy can only support 47" or lower lighting systems because it takes an inch to sit on top of the tank.

Am I doomed to a 36inch lighting system? or are there customs out there im not aware of?

Build your canopy just big enough so it will slide over your tank. That will give you 48" on the inside. Ring the inside of the bottom of the canopy with some 1" cleats and those will sit on the top of the tank. If thats unclear I will get you some pics.

[zoalord]

canopy is already built, it came with the tank.

there isn't a way to modify the canopy without splintering it to death and dismemberment.

It kinda sits on the tank like a hat and has an inner trim that sits on top of the tank edges on the left and right sides so that it doesn't come all the way down to the glass level, as well as preventing it from moving from side to side.
does that make it more clear?

or maybe you can show me what you are talking about.
Thx