40 breeder metal halide location question

[mr.automatic]

I have a 250 Watt Metal Halide with a Lumen Max 2 reflector and a icecap electronic ballast with a Pheonix 14k bulb that will be going over my new 40 breeder.

Question is how far above the tank should the reflector be placed over a 17" deep tank?

I will have mostly Zoas and LPS in the low/middle of tank, and then wanting to keep SPS at the top middle directly under the light.

Thanks.

 

[samstersam]

the 40breeders are a bit unconventional with the 36 length. Too long for 1 center bulb, I found that the edges suffered.

I went with 2 * 250 watt hqi's. They are 12 inches above the water. It seems perfect for my maxima clam and rbta and my sps's. but its a bit too much for my zoos. They aren't growing fast. Which is good. I don't want them taking over the rocks too fast.

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

Yeah, spread of MH is only about 24" so you'll have some low light areas on either end of the tank. Perfect for some of the lower light requirement corals. 8-10" is usually what's recommended most. Mine is about 10" above the water.

 

[jeff@zina.com]

Best distance is probably about a foot, maybe a little less. You still get dropoff, but it'll get the best coverage for the tank.

Jeff

 

[SpencerG]

I had mine about a foot or so about the water, and it provided good spread and intensity.

 

[ghurlag]

not to hi-jack the thread; rather, to expand the discussion... I currently have 1 150W MH, and am considering getting a second to go over my 40g breeder (2, side by side). I was also considering a single 250W, but discussion here has convinced me that wouldn't be a good idea... Furthermore, samstersam has stated that 2 250W could be a little much, which I am inclined to agree with (not to mention the heat and extra energy cost )

So, I guess my question is, if one were to use 150W MH as a baseline, how would you folks employ them?

***Admins, if if is preferred this be in a separate thread, please move at your discretion.