How far are everyones lights from the water?

[cklayko2000]

My MH's are about 8-10" from the top of the water, too high, too low, just right?

 

[ChrisRD]

It sorta depends on the reflectors you're using and the area you're trying to light, but that sounds reasonable...

 

[Alex9421]

I'm using 250w DE pendants which are hung 6-7 inches above the water.

 

[Anonymous]

I'm at about 10-11" to reduce heat issues in the summer. I'll be building a hood with a built in fan so I can drop it to 8-9".

 

[HermanTheGerman]

My T5's are appr. 8" away from the watersurface

Matthias

 

[Anonymous]

My 400's are about 6 - 7" above the water. The reflectors have the heat vented to the outside, so that allows them to be mounted a little bit closer to the water. I could probably move them down a little closer without adding any heat to the water. The tank has an open top as well.

Louey

 

[Adamas]

Guys about this topic I would like to add something.
My PC's and Halides are about 12" far away from the water level. They are so far because between the lights and the water level there are 2 big piece of glass to cover the tank.

They slide just to open them and operate.They are also good in my opinion for not letting the snails going out from top of the tank.

Being the lights so far I am having less ligh into my tank, that is 30" of height. So do you think I should eliminate the top sliding glasses and lower my lights a bit ?

But then my snails will come out right because my tank is build in the wall and there is no need of a hood ?

Hope you understand well my problem
Thanks alot

 

[FragMaster]

Hi Adams!
I think if anything the glass is hendering the amount of light that your corals are receiving. I woul dremove it from your tank. At 1 foot above your tank I wouldnt think you would get any salt creep on your bulbs.
if your snails are actualy climbing out of your tank you may want to get a different species of snail! LOL!
Most of them just climb the tank walls and filter tube with there shells out of the water and work thier way back down.
Hope this help you out!

 

[Len]

My Lumenarcs + 400W moguls are quite high above the tank, about 15" or so. Chris is right: it mostly depends on your reflector.

 

[Adamas]

Does everyone uses Reflectors ?

 

[pwj1286]

Na, I wish I could. I cant really fit any.

The best I can do with my budget was to paint my cannopy white.
_________________
Paintball marker

 

[MartinE]

My PC's and MH is approx. 11" from the tank.

 

[FragMaster]

pwj1286

Have you tried to cut your own DIY reflectors to fit, say with somthing like
Thin diamond plate from HD or lowes? Maybe some heating duct rolled out and polished by hand.
I have done that a few times when my wallet was thin, and didnt have alot of room to work with..
Works fairly well but nothing magnificent.

 

[Anonymous]

MH bulb is around 8" from the water. VHO about 4".