please help lighting questions (DESPERATE)

[rockkfish]

I'm having a heck of a time... I want to upgrade to metal halide. I have a

72 gallon BOWFRONT only 12 inches of space not 15 available for possible lighting

I like the orbit extreme and the coralife pro but they are fifteen inches wide.

Can anyone recommend a 48 x 12 light, if it has legs instead of suspension system that would be wonderful or a way to modify my tank to fit the 15" light

Can you set metal halide directly on your tank(glass top)
or not. How high shoud it be off the glass?

[melosu58]

How about some retro fit MH`s. I would not just sit them on your glass. Your tank water will get hot. Going to move this to appropiate forum.

[Devilishturtles]

I agree some Retrofit kits would probably be best for you. Also agree, do not lay them on your glass top. You'll overheat your tank rather quickly that way.

http://www.hellolights.com/elbalsys.html

[tropicalfish]

You could also try power compact fluorescents