Optimal distance between T5s and water surface?

[ambaratur]

Is there an optimal distance to position T5s above the water surface?

I am going to use a retrofit kit and build my own canopy but I was curious if there were guidlines on how high to keep the lights.

I still want to be able to open the front of the canopy to reach in the tank - but I also want good light.

Any hints?

Thanks!

Amb

 

[EricM]

I've got mine about 2" away. The reflectors get some salt spray though.

 

[mburnickas]

I am 5" to light housing.

 

[ambaratur]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7404705#post7404705 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by EricM
I've got mine about 2" away. The reflectors get some salt spray though.

Wow - is this in a canopy or just a fixture over the tank?

 

[sales weasel]

My four TEKs are about 7.5" off the water surface. It's very bright and not quite as blue as I'd like. I have 1 GE 6500, 1 11000k and 2 actinic+ I built my own canopy and both the front and back have 3" of opening from the top of the tank frame to the canopy. The inside of the canopy was sprayed white with appliance epoxy paint. I'm using TEK reflectors.

 

[horkn]

man i wish the search button worked without having to pay.


just mount the lights, and see how they work.


mounting them closer will give more PAR, further away less so.

that said mine are ~6" away

 

[pufferpoison]

i have the 6x54W tek light on a 90G reef and it's about 5-6 inches above the water. I have the cable suspension system, so it's pretty easy to adjust.