MH Folks......How close is too close?

[Modo]

I was wondering what is the closest and safest distance for flourescent tubes to be near a 250w MH bulb? How hot can flourescent tubes get without bursting? How close are your tubes to your MH bulb?

I just completed a hood around a 250w Iwasaki. I wanted to supplement with actinics and started off placing 2 tubes about 4" away from the MH bulb. This is the max distance I can go. When I fired up the MH I noticed that the flourescent tubes started getting pretty hot. I removed them in fear that they might shatter.

Has anyone else had this problem? What can I do to remedy it?

[ August 27, 2001: Message edited by: Modo ]

 

[rfs1rock]

Hello,Could you put a little fan in with them,i have 2 175watt mh and 2 no actinics system with a fan with no problems,and they do get hot.

 

[Modo]

I actually have fans with good air circulation around the bulbs. The tubes got really hot to the touch though. Maybe I am just being overly cautious here.

I just don't want to be picking shards of glass out of my tank. Maybe I should just try it and see what happens.

 

[Modo]

^^^

 

[pathos]

I have a 250W MH Ushio bulb mounted on the reflector of my JBJ PC retro kit. THE MH is about 2" away from the PC's. It is fan cooled and I have no problems. HTH