Single light or two lights?

I'm looking to upgrade the lighting on my 48in long 55 gal tank. I've looked at some lighting setups, and because my tank as a brace that runs across the top down the middle, would that brace "block" too much light from a single 48" fixture, or would using two smaller fixtures create more of a "dead spot" where the lighting conditions aren't as ideal?

 

God, I hate those pieces running down the middle of the tank. It will help filter UV in the center, but when it gets fogged cuz of the salt and evaporation, it will start to block beneficial light.

 

Actually mine is a black metal brace, not an acrylic like I've seen, so I don't think there will be much filtering going on I'm going to take some measurements today, and see if I can't get 2 lights that will cover both sides of the brace.

 

I always wondered what would happen if you just cut that part off? I had the same problem in my 55gal. Never did it, to afraid that the tank would split in half and flood my living room. How wide is that brace? mine was about 2" si i didnt really bother anything.

Marc.

 

It doesn't really make a difference as the light basically widens out the further from the source you go. A good example would be the light from a flashlight. Starts out real close together in a tight area then as you go farther from the point source the light spread out.

 

I imagine that if that piece was removed the tank would start to "bow" (not good).....not good at all. It's there for a reason, I wouldn't fool with it. I would hate to tell my better half (read wife): "you see honey, this piece was creating a dead spot for the lights so I sort of took it off, but don't worry ..... I'll get a couple of paper towels and this measly 55 gallons of water on the floor will be cleaned up in a jiffy".