I built a canopy to house 3 shop lights (needs finished and painted still.) Two are staggered and one is in the middle.
I think one 6ft light looks way cleaner than two 36 inch lights.
I think his set up with the 2 strips looks absolutely fine. One of the posters wasn't even sure it was 2 X 36" strips. Plus, 36" is more versatile.....you can always move it to a smaller tank. IMOI think one 6ft light looks way cleaner than two 36 inch lights.