MH lighting

[billyzbear]

I've got a small 32g tank that is 30" wide. I'm thinking on getting a single 175w MH mogul base with reflector. The pendents are more than I want to spend. Anways, roughly how far do you need to mount these above the tank? Would it be more than a couple of inches? I could get some fans to help with heat, a chiller is the last thing I want to get.

 

[Jolieve]

I haven't mounted halides over a tank this size... but... general rule of thumb for height is anywhere from four to eight inches above the water's surface. This is to reduce heat problems and any concerns about splashing water on a lit halide bulb, something I have yet to experience and hope I never do.

J.

 

[Eryl Flynn]

Depends also on the tank type and wattage of the bulb. If you are running an acrylic tank you want to be at least 6 " on a 175, 8 on 250 and 10 on a 400watt.

 

[billyzbear]

Thanks for the replies. Looks like I'm going to go with PC's, I want to keep my canopy. I was thinking I could cut a space for it in the middle but mite look bad. And it's a glass tank.