I have an aquarium that is exactly 31 1/2 inches in length, could my light be a tad longer than the tank?

@Mama_Cakes Try something like this LED light 24 inch to 36 inch it is adjustable.

Stay away from the LED light @Tropical_Willie suggested. Having owned and known people who owned them I can tell you its a total POS.

Did you decided on salt or freshwater yet? If your just doing freshwater and no plants than no reason in getting an expensive light. I know T5 bulbs definitely come in 30inches. Maybe try looking for a used t5 fixture to save some cash?

Do you have a hood for your tank or are you doing open top? If you have a hood and doing FW something like this would work fine.

When my dad had his aquarium, he had lights at each end of the tank and did not normally turn them both on at the same time. There are some fish that prefer shadows to bright lights.

If I were you, I would just buy one that is longer, but stat away from LED it’s bad for the fish.

@Obscurethinktank ”, but stat away from LED it’s bad for the fish.” Absolutely inaccurate statement. LED lighting has proven to be far FAAAAAAAAR better than alternate lighting options when it comes to fish tanks, especially when considering delicate reef tanks where optimum lighting conditions must be met.

I’m just going by what I’ve heard, you may be right.

@Obscurethinktank I have no interest in buying a bigger one.