A question regarding T-5 lighting?

[BushFishRox]

I am getting 2 36" double fixtures for x-mas from my grandparents with a special lighting power bar for my 220.

I was just wondering why dont they make 6' fixtures? also I noticed that the 36" tubes\bulbs are not really 36"s, whats up with that?

 

[cr8on]

Where I am 6' T5 fittings are quite common.

 

[BushFishRox]

Where I am 6' T5 fittings are quite common.

All the aquarium stores around me sell 48" as the biggest

 

[alcohologist]

there are 6' fixtures around me too. and yeah, sometimes [usually in fact] the tubes are shorter than the fixtures. 42" bulbs in a 48" fixture, that sort of thing. it's easier to manufacture i guess. mostly the lower end brands do it. by me, anyway.

 

[BushFishRox]

hmmm even big als which has the widest selection of equipment doesnt carry 72" fixtures only 48"???

Doesnt matter to me because I am getting 2 36" I just wonder why I cant find the 72" fixtures near me...