Recommended T5 height....

[dun2run]

Just a basic lowdown, I have a retro t5 setup on my 125 long tank. The canopy on the tank is a little taller than most and the T5's are mounted on the underside of the lid (about 11-12 inches from water). Now that I have a handful of sps frags (which are doing well) I am still wondering if my lights are too high. I am seeing growth out of the sps but, they are high in the tank. If I lower the lights I'll have to come up with something like a sheet of acrylic to mount everything to so I can adjust them with brackets maybe. So, with all that said, what is the recommended height? Also, any ideas on lowering the retro setup will be greatly appreciated. :thumbsup:

 

[mike_cmu04]

I would run them at 6" above the water

 

[Reefman29]

Yeah same here- 6 to 8 inches. When you do lower the lights be careful not to shock the coral too much.

 

[dun2run]

Thanks. When I do put something together, I want to try to utilize a bracket system where I can lower the whole light setup an inch or so at a time. I think I'm gonna try to build a type of aluminum frame that sets on the little plastic cabinet shelf pins, maybe. That idea is still up in the air. Either way, I'll take some photos when the progress begins and let everybody know how it works. Thanks again and feel free to post any input.

 

[tate1]

The bracket system is an excellent idea. Saves a lot of time and hassle down the road.

 

[stevedola]

I ran my T5s 3" off my tank and they were overdriven.