Metal halides distance ???

[Luis]

Ok, I got my metal halide ballast, reflector and bulb and I'm building the canopy, how high do I have to place the bulb from the water surface? my tank is 24 inches deep, bulb 20000 k and 175 watts. I'm going to keep my power compacts with actinic bulbs only.

Any other recommendation.

BTW

I've hear we have less trafic in this forum than others but let me tell you something: people is a lot more helpful in this site than others.... Quality over quantity!

Happy Thanks giving !!!

 

[Anonymous]

For my DIY canopy, the bulb is about 8 inches from the water surface. YMMV.

 

[Anonymous]

I think mine is about 8" off the water also. If you get much closer you need to worry about splashing and stuff. I would not go any higher than 12"

 

[Anonymous]

I have a tempered glass shield for my double-ended HQI and they're only 4" above the water. If I had SE bulbs I would remove the glass and keep the bulb 6"-8" probably.

 

[Luis]

Thanks guys, now is about 16 in above the water, I'm moving my bulb 1 in closer every day....

Guy, What "SE" means?

Thanks.

 

[Anonymous]

Single-Ended ie. Mogel based bulbs. Mogel bulbs already have a glass casing to remove excess UV. DE (Double-Ended) bulbs need the extra layer of glass.