MH distance from water surface.

[TouchemAllTommy]

I've searched around some, but i see conflicting information. i'd like to mount a 2x250w (single ended) + pc retrofit within the top door of my wood canopy. this would put the bottom of the bulbs within ~4" of the water surface. assuming that i can minimize the splash on the bulb, is there any concern about having the bulbs that close to the water surface other than heat generation (especially since they are eclosed in a canopy)? i'm hoping that heat is my only concern and by adequately fanning i can minimize that. looking for other opinions..the tank is 4'L x 1.5' front2back x 2' top2bottom.

side question, is there some sort of thin fire retardant material that i should place between the reflector/fixture and the top of the wood canopy that it is mounted into?

thanks all...i appreciate your help..

 

[Rockitmakr]

Santa Barbara??? Used to live there...
Seems like they would be pretty close to the water. I have seen bulbs break due to water splashing so if you decide to go ahead with your idea, you might need to add a sheet of glass over the water. Then, you may need a chiller....All of my lights are 12 inches above the waterline.
:beer:

 

[Beenalongtime79]

I also keep my bulbs roughly 12" above the water line. This allows for better cooling and less splashback on the bulb... and it allows for you to mess around with stuff in the tank without the risk of burning/scalding yourself.

I think it also allows for a better light spread since the higher up you are, the more light is spread throughout the tank. 12" is a good balance I think.

 

[TouchemAllTommy]

thanks for the feedback. i think i'll try it for awhile, keep the bulbs well protected and the tank cooled as best as possible. At the same time i'll work on plans to remove the top of the canopy and build some sort of pendant housing to hold and suspend my retro a little higher..
thanks again!