T5 Lights - How far above the water?

[Black Mammoth]

Hello everyone. I just got my T5 retro kit in. I'm in the process of building a canopy for my tank. How far above the water do I need my T5 lights to be?

 

[lunner]

In my setup, there is a glass shield approx. 1" above the water. and the lights are 2" above the glass.

 

[mikeatjac]

3" tops

 

[keeperofthefish]

Kinda depends on available space and what kind of reflectors you have, but I would agree--no more than 3" or you may as well be using NO--the light will scatter too much.