Metal Halide - Mounting Height?

[Rosseau]

Hello.

I have a new 70W Metal Halide setup which I want to put over my 6G softie tank.

Currently, the bulb will only be about 1-2" above the surface of the water.

Will this harm the corals?

I can't see how it would, it will me more intense light... but...

Any thoughts?

Thanks.

 

[SNAKEMANVET]

I think that is to close to water surface, might raise the water temp. Try it around 5 to 6 inchs. If the corals are under lower wattage now, try useing egg crate over them, and slowly get them use to new light. Hope this helps.

 

[Doglover_50]

start it highere, slowly work it down. my 250w over my 70g tank sits around 12" high--though I know that's pretty far away.

doyou have a shield over the bulb?

 

[Jadams]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9827028#post9827028 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SNAKEMANVET
Try it around 5 to 6 inchs. If the corals are under lower wattage now, try useing egg crate over them, and slowly get them use to new light.

I agree with SNAKEMANVET.. 5-6 inches would be best. Good luck Rosseau!

 

[Rosseau]

Thanks everyone.


The bulb does have a UV shield, and I'm planning on acclimating the corals to the increased light.

I would ideally like to mount the light at least 5" up. However it's going into a canopy type unit that I built a while back specifically for a smaller PC fixture.

If I can keep the heat under control and acclimate the corals, then should it be alright to have it only an inch or two up? That was the question. I think it's fine though, as long as I move slowly.