Joining two 36" units for a 6' tank.

I have a 36" tank now and have a surrent sundial T5. I love this unit and I am looking at upgrading to a 6' tank. I was wondering if there is any good way anyone has used two units like this to do a larger tank. My light setup isn't very old so a second one would be an economical choice instead of a new 6' unit. I am sure I could come up with something but just looking for suggestions.

 

sure...just get some 1/4 aluminum square stock and cut to length to span your tank from front to back..then adjust the legs to rest on the square stock

 

Hey great idea! Ya know, I usually think of stuff like that - I spend alot of time putting rears in off road rigs that need spring perches and shock mounts and brake lines mounted up and I couldn't think of something for this.
Thanks!

 

If it has a center brace, it's easy each length will be 36", however, I believe most 6" tanks have 2 braces, every two feet. I like LG's response, easy and economical.

 

I think so also. I wish I had the extra money right now I would get the tank. Theres one on craigslist with a stand and the ad suggests it to be resealed. Asking $250 and I could probably get it for $200. Maybe it will still be available for a while.

 

While it might be economical in the short run to use 2 36" fixtures on a 6' tank I would look at your bulb replacement costs over the course of a couple years. Replacing double the number of bulbs adds up really quick. Longer bulbs are only a few dollars more than the shorter ones.

I would look at a 5' fixture if it were me. Sell your 36" one and put it towards the new one. With a 5' fixture you'll have 6" on either side that doesn't have bulbs over it but most people don't use the extreme ends of their tanks for coral anyway, for high light coral that is. I imagine there is enough light bleed from the ends of the fixtures to keep low light coral there if you want.

I would check it out anyway and run the numbers, T5 bulbs add up quick at $20+ a pop for the good ones.

 

Very good advice... "I" would do like "I" did when I went to a 90 gallon...T5 retrofit custom build under 400.00...plus you now have a canopy and you dont have any light bleeding out to the room.. : ) win win

http://www.3reef.com/forums/reef-lighting/diy-hood-build-t5-retrofit-71371.html

LG

 

I don't like canopies.

 

There are 5' fixtures as well, not just retros.

 

...right on...we all have our preferences.

Good luck.