400w Meatl Halide

[JMalone81]

How far should 400 watt metal halide reflectors be away from the water?They are Lumenarc reflectors.Also how do I keep from shocking the coral?I am going from t5 to 400 watt MH.

 

[mukymuk]

I think the general consensus is that the bulb needs to be something around 6-8 inches above the water. This is because of IR heating and to avoiding splashing the fixture.

To avoid over-illuminating your corals, you might need to move it further--depends. Start conservative and slowly bring them closer.

 

[bmkj02]

I put my 400's about 13" above the water line. Just monitor the water temperature. I also have an intake and exhaust fan in my canopy blowing on the water surface as well. If temperature is high you might want to add fans or place higher.

 

[Goodwood]

When I had 400's I ran them 5" above the water.

I just switched to an ATI Powermodule (T-5) and it was a shock to the corals.

 

[eskymick]

Somewhere between 5" and 13" above the water. I think most place their MH lamps about 8 or 9 inches above the water.

 

[JMalone81]

Thanks for all the info.