How far between lights and water?

[Kewlworm]

I finished a temporary lighting rack for my 175w MH. I have bottom (horizonal) of the bulbs ~7.5" away from the surface of the water and it's not bright at all. I had a same wattage one in a bell reflector made by hamilton and it's brighter.Should I drop it down to 6" since they are only 175w? Or can I lower it even more?

Thanks!
Gary

 

[chrisaggie]

6" would be fine. I wouldnt' go much lower than that.

 

[Kewlworm]

Ok, 6" seems good. Thanks!

 

[Flamehawk]

What type of reflectors are you using? Flat reflectors are awful becuase a lot of light is bounced back to the top of the bulb where you cant grow corals

 

[Kewlworm]

I got the spider reflectors. They were cut to fit a 55gal...about 2" are cut off. I am loving these lights. I had the bell reflector before and I didn't really get a heavy shimmer effect, but I can see it from across the room w/ these reflectors.

Also, Morgan, the acro is showing some yellow at the top...after only 1 day under the MH! Very nice coral! Thanks again!