Metal Halide mounting question

[wpecoul]

OK, I'm in the process of moving to a new stand and canopy. I've got two 250W SE MH as the primary lighting. Currently, they are mounted with the sockets to the outside and the bulbs pointing at each other towards the middle.

Given that there's already a brace through the middle of the tank, I was wondering if anyone had seen any kind of comparison that would indicate it would be more beneficial to mount the bulbs with the sockets in the center and the bulbs facing outward. They will just have spider-type reflectors behind them, nothing fancy like Lumenbrights, etc.

Thoughts or opinions? All are welcome.

Thanks!
Will

 

[shirley386]

I have mine mounted with the socket in the center. I figured the end of the bulb would do a better job of lighting the end of the tank than the socket end. I'm satisfied with this arrangement but I've never tried it the other way.

 

[wpecoul]

Thanks! Do you have a large shade/shadow area through the middle of the tank? Does your tank have a center brace?

 

[shirley386]

I don't have a center brace and I don't notice a shadow.

 

[wpecoul]

Cool. Thanks again.

 

[walkerbrody]

I have 2 400's with a center brace. The bulbs are mounted with the sockets on the outside. It works well with no shadow.

 

[shirley386]

Actually, I doubt if you could tell very much difference in the lighting from the mounting orientation. I think the wiring looks neater with the sockets in the center.

 

[atlantisaquari]

i have heard of people mounting with the sockets toward the back of the tank. something about reflectors directing light from left to right ( the length of the tank ) instead of front to back. never tried that but sound like something to look into .

 

[jasontammy]

We have one set up both ways and both seem to work just fine.I think it comes down to personal preference.I prefer to have them run the length of the tank myself.It is always worth a try you never know what you may discover.LOL
Jason

 

[JR's Reef]

Ive monted them about every way possable and IMO the best is going the same way if your using spider reflectors dont really make much diff if using a good reflector as light spreads better with the good ones.