SPS Lighting

[snowcap]

I am putting dual 400 watt SE halides over a 150 tall tank. The reflectors will be Lumenarc mini mounted in a canopy that has an inside height of 9 inches. I figure that the bulbs will be approximately 5 inches off the water surface. Is that too close or should I have the canopy built to allow more clearance and what would you recommend the clearance between the water?
Thanks

 

[swjim]

I prefer a 12" canopy with halides to help to slightly lessen the likelihood of the bulbs getting splashed, heat transfer to the water and the chances of me getting burned by them when doing anything over the tank.

 

[fijiblue]

I agree with 12"

 

[spsal23]

agree wit hthe above, the bulbs get really very hot (been burned a few times moving rock) you dont want to keep it too close to the water, incase water splashes onto the bulb it may crack the bulb

 

[andyt2989]

400 watt bulbs generate a fair bit of heat, I would put them a bit higher - so another vote for 12".

Andy

 

[Rockpile]

Agree, go higher. My 250s are very hot (just hold your hand under the bulb) at 5 inches, but once over about 8 inches only a bit warm.

 

[evsalty]

For 400's I would def raise them to atleast 12" for all the reasons stated above.

 

[snowcap]

Thanks for the responses. I have to have the canopy made a bit higher to accommodate the reflector so when attached, the bulb position will be 12" off the water.

 

[evsalty]

A lot of canopies are being built to 15" for this very reason.

 

[surfjeepzx]

My canopy is 16" and the bulbs are about 12" off the water. Between the Mh's and the water are the VHO's at about 5".