Bulb Orientation

[Pyrojon]

I seem to remember there being some talk about the proper bulb orientation in relation to the viewing face of the tank. ie. I seem to remember that the bulb should sit perpendicular to the tank face, rather then parallel. However I haven't seen many light setups like this so maybe I'm wrong. Or maybe it doesn't matter.
Any thoughts or info?


Thanks
Jon

 

[kgross]

Depends on your reflector. With most reflectors they are designed to spread the light out from the sides of the bulb, so if you mount the bulb perpendicular to the front of the tank you will get a more even spread of light. Plus the shadows caused buy the socket and end of the bulb will be in the front and back of the tank, rather than on your corals in the tank.

Kim

 

[Pyrojon]

Ok, how do I know what kind of spread a given reflector will give me? Take this one for example, with a double ended bulb central.
http://www.hellolights.com/pare.html

I assume I would want this one to be parallel with my tank face, so the shadows from the bulb ends will be towards the short ends of the tank?

Thanks
Jon

 

[kgross]

From looking at that reflector you will want the bulb mounted perpendicular to the long direction of the tank. You will get a more even spread of light, plus the shadows will be outside fo the tank (as long as your tank is less than 2 feet on the short end).

Kim