lighting length vs tank length

[ermano]

Hey guys,

I've been doing a lot of research on the lighting aspect of keeping a reef tank. and I must say, there is quite a bit of things to take into consideration. I have a decent grasp on everything so far, except one thing. The length of my tank is 30", would it be alright to put a lighting fixture that measures....say 36", or does the lighting HAVE to be 30". The specific lighting fixtures I've been looking at were the 36" Current USA Nova Extreme T5HO lights. There would be 3" or so hanging off the side of the tank on either side, and from what I see, the legs of the lighting are adjustable. I'm not 100% sure on this, so I would like to see what you all think!

Thanks!

[Executivelevel]

i dont really know, but i cant imagine it would hurt much, if you prop it up on legs a few inches off the tank it should be fine, just more lighting for the tank i guess

[geekdafied]

Why do a 4x24" retro kit and stagger the bulbs? Another you could think about is building a stand say 48" wide, buy a 48" light and have a plant/planted tank/terrarium next to it. Im going to do that with a 50g.