canopy

[scoobydoo]

OK this is a dumb question but how wide do you need your canopy to be when using 48 inch VHO setup. I've got the waterproof endcaps on the way as well.

[Bamm Bamm]

I would assume a few inches longer than the bulbs..

[Mr. Slippery]

I would think the only thing you would have to worry about is the removal of the endcaps if you ever have to replace the bulbs(which you will) so just make the width of the canopy long enough to take them out, probably only an inch or two longer than the fixture. Just my 2 pennies.

[Phish]

That will depend on how wide your tank is. By width, I assume you mean the overall length in the longest dimension? I use
46 1/2" VHO fluorescents and with the waterproof endcaps they fit nicely into a 48" Canopy. With 48" VHO's + endcaps you will have a problem if your canopy length is 48" inside measurement.