howhigh should i place my light?

xskyzx · 10/30/2008, 12:21 AM

i got 16 gal 17x17x13H. Right now im hanging my solana orb light (150watts mh) about 15inches above water level. is that ok? or should i lower it down to 9 inches?
i got some sps and mostly zoas.

Thanks in advance.

Blown 346 · 10/30/2008, 02:16 AM

You are fine where its at now. The lower you go with it the more of a chance you can overheat tyhe tank. Anywhere from 8 inches up is ok.

_E_ · 10/30/2008, 06:08 AM

Yep, 8 in. is usually the accepted minimun for MH. By going higher, you loose some PAR, but you also limit the amount of heat that you are putting in the tank (they can put off A-L-O-T of heat). I would say that, as long as the light distribution is pretty even at 15 in., that is a good height.

crvz · 10/30/2008, 07:26 AM

With the depth of the tank, the fixture at that height should still put out plenty of light. no need to change it.

xskyzx · 10/30/2008, 08:50 AM

thanks guys.

10/30/2008, 12:21 AM	#1
xskyzx Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 439	howhigh should i place my light? i got 16 gal 17x17x13H. Right now im hanging my solana orb light (150watts mh) about 15inches above water level. is that ok? or should i lower it down to 9 inches? i got some sps and mostly zoas. Thanks in advance.

10/30/2008, 06:08 AM	#3
_E_ Professional Lurker Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Du Quoin, Illinois Posts: 1,169	Yep, 8 in. is usually the accepted minimun for MH. By going higher, you loose some PAR, but you also limit the amount of heat that you are putting in the tank (they can put off A-L-O-T of heat). I would say that, as long as the light distribution is pretty even at 15 in., that is a good height. __________________ Eric "If you think things can't get worse it's probably only because you lack sufficient imagination." Current Tank Info: 140 DSA with basement sump room

10/30/2008, 07:26 AM	#4
crvz Team RC Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: houstonia Posts: 7,989	With the depth of the tank, the fixture at that height should still put out plenty of light. no need to change it. __________________ -Chris- You don't win friends with salad. "Look! They're trying to learn for free!" ... "Use your phony guns as clubs!" Current Tank Info: rectangluar? wet?

10/30/2008, 02:16 AM	#2
Blown 346 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Rockford, Illinois Posts: 6,596	You are fine where its at now. The lower you go with it the more of a chance you can overheat tyhe tank. Anywhere from 8 inches up is ok.

10/30/2008, 08:50 AM	#5
xskyzx Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 439	thanks guys.