how high to hang a light above the tank

kaimaclain · 05/06/2006, 06:35 AM

Hello,
I have a 75 gallon reef-tank. I just purchased an Outer Orbit 150 HQI lighting system. (SunPaq Dual Actinics, and 2 150w MH). I am looking to hang it from the ceiling (with the attachment kit). I need to do this because
1: the light is a large one and takes up almost the entire top of my tank, making it difficult to conduct simple tank maintenance.

2: the light generates a significant amount of heat and is elevating my tank water to too high a level.

By seperating the light farther from the tank, I am hoping to be able to correct the problem.

My question is now this. How far can a raise the lighting system before I lose lighting quality? Or can a saftely raise it 6-8 inches above the tank with no real reduction in light?

On a side note, I am looking to run a fan blowing across the gap between the light and top of the tank to help with dissapating the heat. Anyone else try this with success?

Thanks
Kai

michaeldaly · 05/06/2006, 07:47 AM

My Mh's are about 6.5 in from the water. I would not put it much lower or you will have heat issues

05/06/2006, 06:35 AM	#1
kaimaclain Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Ma. Posts: 1	how high to hang a light above the tank Hello, I have a 75 gallon reef-tank. I just purchased an Outer Orbit 150 HQI lighting system. (SunPaq Dual Actinics, and 2 150w MH). I am looking to hang it from the ceiling (with the attachment kit). I need to do this because 1: the light is a large one and takes up almost the entire top of my tank, making it difficult to conduct simple tank maintenance. 2: the light generates a significant amount of heat and is elevating my tank water to too high a level. By seperating the light farther from the tank, I am hoping to be able to correct the problem. My question is now this. How far can a raise the lighting system before I lose lighting quality? Or can a saftely raise it 6-8 inches above the tank with no real reduction in light? On a side note, I am looking to run a fan blowing across the gap between the light and top of the tank to help with dissapating the heat. Anyone else try this with success? Thanks Kai

05/06/2006, 07:47 AM	#2
michaeldaly Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Earth Posts: 2,009	My Mh's are about 6.5 in from the water. I would not put it much lower or you will have heat issues