Lumenbright Reflector Height

[shandy_say]

Hi! Im at the planning stages of my tank upgrade. Im planning to build a 30X24X18 rimless tank and I need advise regarding the lighting. I will be using a lumenbright (large 20x20x9) reflector with 250w 20K Metal Halide SE bulb. Does anyone know how high I should place the reflector from the top of the tank cause I need to have a mounting made for the reflector and I don't want to get it wrong. Ive read some articles saying that the lumenbright tends to be too efficient that it can burn corals and cause heat problems for the tank so placing it high is suggested. But my question is...how high is high? Please help!

 

[jjk_reef00]

I had a 30" x 30"x36" l x w x h and I think the bulb was around 14" off of the water. My current tank 8' x 30"x 24" I keep the 3 reflectors higher. bottom of reflector is 15 or 16" off of the water. Great reflectors. The height will really depend on the spread you want, with 18" height you will have no problem penetrating.

My LFS keeps theirs 3' to 4' above their frag tanks. (Well over 2' for sure)

 

[shandy_say]

I see. Great! 14 inches it is. Was originally thinking of placing it 12 inches from bottom of reflector to top of tank. I guess I have to place it higher. Thanks dude!