Question on distance of halides to tank.

[uliulimaka]

Hi guys and gals!

I am doing some revamping on my tank and canopy, and am wondering if there is a "golden ratio" for how high lights should be hung above your tank. I currently have a 135 gallon display, with a 45g L sump/fuge. I am running 3x 250w Mh 14k, and 2x 96w Cf actinic 03/420 in a Coralife fixture. I have been running a Fowlr for a while now, and am wanting to start into corals. I am assuming from all ive read that this light setup will grow just about anything I want to toss in the tank. I just have no idea where i need to place the lights distance wise above the tank to ensure good penetration without scorching anything. Any advice would be awesome!

Thanks in advance,

Erik

 

[Mark Bianco]

I have a simular fixture on my 75gl and it sits on the legs so the light is about 5" off the water line.

What is important is to acclumate the corals slowly This can be accomplished in many ways. The easiest way would be to place new corals on the bottom in an area that does not have the full intenisty of the halides. Secondly you can buy several layers of screening place them over the top of the tank then every of cople of days remove a layer.

Lastly with CF they should be replaced about every 8 - 12 months and the MH about every year. Although you will not notice the bulbs lose thier ability function corectly when that happens the corals will suffer. So when you replace the bulbs just re-acclumate them for a couple of days.

Mark

 

[Sk8r]

I use a 9" separation between the bottom of my MH and the tank rim.

 

[Misled]

Your reflectors will play a roll in the distance. By design, mine is 18 inches from bulb to water. With the Luminbright reflector, this allows for the spread and penetration of light that is desired for my tank.

 

[uliulimaka]

Thanks for the info! Just replaced all bulbs 3 days ago. If i use my current canopy, I have about 5.5" from the tank rim. Maybe its time to build a new one...

Thanks again,
Erik

 

[Unome]

Thanks for the info! Just replaced all bulbs 3 days ago. If i use my current canopy, I have about 5.5" from the tank rim. Maybe its time to build a new one...

Thanks again,
Erik

We all look for any type of excuse to do something to make our tanks better, don't we?

 

[uliulimaka]

Indeed we do! I actually have another stand from a 125g tank that im thinking about flipping over to use as the basis of my new canopy. Just add some trim and cap what used to be the bottom. Though I wonder what the wife will say when the tank stands over 7' tall...

Erik:eek1:

 

[Misled]

Though I wonder what the wife will say when the tank stands over 7' tall...

Erik:eek1:

I'm sure she'll want to know how she can dust up there. :lol:

 

[markandamber11]

yep halides.. my favorite lighting of all time ...i did between 8-12 inches