light distance from tank

[NEWATSALTTANK]

ok i got a red sea max and want to upgrade on lights tank s a 34 gallon and aprox 22 inches tall. now there are 2 set ups ive found that interest me. one has a 250w MH and one has 350w MH now if i got with the 350 how high above the tank should i have it to get the correct watts per gallon.??

 

[atwinparadox2]

most people put their halides at the very least 10" off the tank water. MH's give you great water penetration, the thing you have to worry about is the heat they give off and if they are too close to the water they can damage your livestock.

 

[NEWATSALTTANK]

soi shouldnt worry about the amount of light per gallon, but more the heat ??

 

[crvz]

350W metal halide doesnt pass the smell test, usually MH bulbs run at 150, 175, 250, or 400. I've not heard of a 350, you sure you got that right?

watts per gallon is an outdated comparison that you shouldnt rely on. A single 250W metal halide bulb is plenty for a 22" deep tank, and much more common for bulb options... I'd use that one.