48" Aqualight HO T5 or 2x 36" Aqualight Dual Linear Strip T5?

[revival]

Plan on getting a 180-220 gallon soon and just planning out my lighting. Should i go with:

1 x 48" Aqualight HO T5

or

2 x 36" Aqualight Dual Linear Strip T5?

Also would either of these be a problem with a Canopy if i decide to get one?

I would love to see some pictures if anyone use either of these. Also i will have no live plants or anything. Thanks in advance guys.

 

[12 Volt Man]

the T5 HO will be way too bright and intense without live plants.

your tank will be green. I have a the 36" model (with Hagen Powerglo HO bulbs) on my 65 planted and its very bright. although my plants go like crazy the algae grows too. I have to stay ontop of it. without plants it would be trouble.

so I would go with normal output T5's.

here is what my 65 looks like with the HO Aqualight with the Hagen powerglo bulbs:

also, the Aqualight has to sit on legs so if you get a canopy it has to be tall (about 6" above the top of the tank to accomodate the height)

in the second pic I attached you can see the legs.

not sure if they can be used without the legs. I think they must be suspended though, to disapate the heat because the units do not have fans. (which is good since some built in fans are very noisey)

 

[revival]

Thx volt i appreciate the advice. Thx for the pictures too. Tank looks good!

 

[revival]

So if i went with the Aqualight Linear Dual strip, and if i go with a 72" tank would i be better off with the 2 x 36" or 1 x 48"? How big of a difference in lighting would both set ups be?