how high should i keep my metal halide bulbs from my tank?

[splnissan]

I have a 75 gallon tank, I recently purchased two metal halide bulbs both 250 watts. I would like to know how high should these bulbs be from my tank? I currently have the bulbs about 9 inches above the water, does it need to be lower? I feel that with it being at 9 inches above from the water that it doesnt look as bright as i want it to be? I just want to know if this is enough light for my corals or if my lighting needs to be lower? I have sps corals and soft corals... thank you for your help.

Thnaks Ronnie.

 

[dubs]

i have mine 7 inches with no problem its a matter of choice the lower u put it tho the more heat ur putting in the water so take that in mind also

 

[JimmyR1rider]

Each manufacturer of MH pendants have their own specs, I believe depending on the reflectors used in the pendants. I have IceCap pendants and they say theirs should be between 8 and 12 inches above the surface of the water. Your pendants if thats what you're using should state in the manual or paperwork how high the pendants should be.

 

[ellebelle]

2 x 250w MH is plenty of light for your corals. I had 2x 250s on the 75 gallon tank and I had them about 12" off of the water and SPS growing at least half way down the rock work. I wouldn't worry.

 

[splnissan]

thanks guys