Lighting for a 48" tall aquarium

[Egon]

I think I have the exact tank you have? I went fresh water no plants. The water is very clear here in AZ and the light seems to make it all the way to the bottom

I'm using two 4' colalife fixtures over lapped in the center. Each fixture has two 65w 10,000K bulbs and it's more than adequate lighting for my needs. Apples to oranges comparison to your SW set up.

I hope some if this info helps. You can always add more lighting if needed.

 

[12 Volt Man]

but the light always appears to our eye to make it all the way down.

but the actual intensity at the bottom is dramatically reduced.

having said that, from the original post, it looks like its fish only, with no future corals.

so all you need is enought light so it looks good to our eyes.

if this were a reef tank or future reef tank 400w halides would be a necessity.

but its just fish with some rock.

so perhaps the T5 HO's will be fine.

 

[Egon]

Good point!