Metal Halide Users - Height Above SPS dominate tank?

[Zstriker]

I know it likely depends on the fixture, bulbs, etc, but in need of some guidance.

Tank is 48 X 18 X 18

Lighting is 48 inch Giesemann Spectra, with 2 250 Watt Radiums, 2 ATI Aquablues, and 2 ATI True Actinics

I don't have access to a PAR meter, so hoping to get some suggestions for how high to hang it, thx.

It would be great to hear input from multiple individuals, in order to take the average and increase my confidence

 

[Tweaked]

I am about 7" off water but gradually got to that point. Run halides at 6 hours, and gradually got there as well. Sps dominant with lps on bare bottom.

 

[ct_vol]

10"... Just my opinion. Nice fixture.

 

[Dexters Reef]

I run a similar setup, but with DE phoenix 14k. Its 4" above the top of the tank. I can grow sps anywhere, and start them off on the sand bed

 

[ptreef]

~ 10" from water

 

[Zstriker]

bump for a few more responses, based on my circumstances....thx for posting any input!

 

[polywise]

I have my fixtures 10" from the water on my 48 x48 x16 tank

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=180368&d=1330867230

 

[reeflover62]

20" Above water level on 40"x 36"x 20" cube. 400 watt reeflux 12k

 

[trueblackpercula]

It all depends on the night you have available . It should be from 10 to 14 inches above water line if you have a good reflector, 7 to 9 for average reflectors.
Also heat plays a big part

 

[64Ivy]

My twin 400W SE pendants each hang 10" above the water line. Tank size: 96"x36"x36" and I'm currently experiencing both SPS growth and Favia encrustation on the bare bottom.

 

[pete33]

14" on my 29 with Hamilton Belize 250 w.

 

[biggles]

Single 250W radium 5" off the water and 4x39W T5's 3" off the water over a 40x24x18 SPS tank.

 

[MammothReefer]

I'm about 7" or so from the top of the water surface to the bottom of my reflector. The reflectors are 6.5" Tall I think

 

[zackw]

10 inches.

 

[shih87]

2 400W HQI. I put them 13" above water surface.

 

[Finland]

14 inches off the water line with 250w radiums and lumenbright reflectors. Any closer to the water, I wouldn't get complete coverage. Those reflectors tend to be like a spot light

 

[echopiece]

15" above the water surface with my 250w Hamilton belize over a 12" deep tank.