MH Lighting height

[NMreefer]

Hello all. I'm getting ready to install my lighting above my new tank. The instructions that came with the spider light reflector say install 8 inches above the water, if your want to cover 3' and my tank is 3' long....Is that enough? I've already pretty much done it, maybe asking to late, but I quess I could put a small peice of plexi directly under it if need be. Your thoughts please.

Thanks,
Phillip

 

[bradl.]

8 inches is fine as long as you keep it dry. And you will need to have enough air movement between the light and the water. This will increase your evaporation rate. Your gonna love the halide.

 

[NMreefer]

Hey thanks for the encouragement! It's not my first halide. My first were actually mounted inside a sealed box. Of course I had fans moving air in and out. This top will have a open back so I don't think air movement will be a problem. I actually built it tall enough to hang 2 pendants from, but decided to go with the spider reflector. The top is actually 24" tall. Once I get it finished, I'll try to post a few pics. I'm a very proud dad!

Thanks,
Phillip

 

[SnowManSnow]

Keep the light hight enough off of the water so 1-it doesnt get wet, but 2-close as possible to produce maxium light. Also, keep an eye on your TEMP. the first week or so. The halide bulbs CAN raise the temp of your ENTIRE tank pretty quick. If it does you can alwasy install a fan nearby or on the light itself.

B

 

[Anonymous]

I need to keep mine at 12" to avoid overheating in the summer.

 

[dodo99]

I'm at 12" to avoid the extra heat also.

 

[NMreefer]

Well.....Crap! Being the brain I am, I forgot, that if I install the reflector at 8" above the water, the bulb is actually on 6. I may try it for awhile and see how it goes. Any thoughts on putting a small piece of plexi right under the bulb, just incase of a splash?

Phillip

 

[dodo99]

I used a piece of Lexan when I first switched to MH. I didn't get much salt-creep or major/minor splashes, so I took it off.

 

[Anonymous]

I'm a klutz so I keep the Lexan on(Came with the fixture).

My bulbs are 12", the fixture is at about 9".

You must be careful when using plastics around such heat to avoid fire. Make sure the shield is far enough from the bulbs.

 

[SnowManSnow]

Mine actually sits about 5 inches from the surface, but I have the tank placed under an AC vent in the ceiling that blows into the hood during the day!

B.

 

[NMreefer]

Cool. Actually, mine will be setting right under a air duct as well. The back is totally open also, I'm not really worried about the tank getting hot, just the light getting wet. After talking with a lot of people, I'm over it! I just got through sanding my stand and canopy (in the house). My wife is not a happy camper righ now. lol Stain tomorrow, poly the 2 nights after that and then.....the move!

Thanks again,
Phillip