Distance from surface for LEDS

[Daka]

I am in the getting ready to make a mounting fixture for my LED light (inside a open hood which can be any size.). I have a 90 gal tank 48x19x24. I have not bought any optics yet. It will be a 56-63 3 watt light. What should the distance be to the surface and what optics should I use. I did read that the LEDS on the outside should be at least 4-5 inches away from the edges. All comments are welcome.
Newbie Daka

 

[BigBarnacles]

I am in the getting ready to make a mounting fixture for my LED light (inside a open hood which can be any size.). I have a 90 gal tank 48x19x24. I have not bought any optics yet. It will be a 56-63 3 watt light. What should the distance be to the surface and what optics should I use. I did read that the LEDS on the outside should be at least 4-5 inches away from the edges. All comments are welcome.
Newbie Daka

The required distance from the water depends on the optics you're using. Tighter optics, such as 40* penetrate deeper and need to be higher up. Wider optics, such as 70* or greater, can be closer as the light spreads out more and doesn't penetrate as well. My AI Sol fixtures are about 7 inches above the water in a canopy. I swapped out the 40* lenses for 70* lenses.