MH question....

[Daniel716]

I am setting up a new 120 ( 48x24x24 ). I bought a used MH setup and am wondering if I made a boo boo. It's a dual 400 watt SE setup (XM 20K's)

This will be 8.5 inches off the water due to ductwork where the tank is... Technically this can be changed if the tank stand is lowered as its not setup yet

What do you guys think? Is this to much light? Is 8.5 inches to close or can I get away with that? Total volume will be about 180-200 gal...

Thanks
Dan

 

[torbett]

I've been running 2 250 watt MH 14ks on my 120. I havn't had many problems with them (other than the recent lights flashing on and off problem). You might run into a heat issue, but that can be controlled with fans or a chiller. As far as height, 8.5 should be good, but it all depends on what type corals you are growing in the tank. I think you made a good purchase.

 

[Daniel716]

Thanks, I am just a little paranoid.. As you know once the stand is built and tank is up there is not going back! I probably will need a chiller though..it is what it is..
Thanks!

 

[DarG]

Daniel, I would consider lowering the stand. Or, otherwise building a fixture that could possibly allow you to work the lights around the ductwork, or rework the ductwork itself. It's not that 8.5" isn't a good height. It's that you will have no way to raise it in case it is too intense and you end up needing to raise it. Not having options almost always creates the need for having the option, if that makes sense. Not meaning to rain on your parade, it's just that personally, I would find a way to give myself some leeway. But it's just my personal opinion.

 

[Daniel716]

Well as it sits I am 8 inches off the water... It is what it is.. The tank is up and running with no problem except heat

I am in the process of building a diy fan setup to combat this...

Anyone have any good ideas?

 

[DarG]

Hi Daniel. How hot is the tank getting to?

 

[Daniel716]

It went up to 83 before I put huge fans on it... I am doing some testing today with a box fan... If that keeps it near stable I'll look into building a fan unit

 

[DarG]

Alot of people dont sweat 83 these days.