Halide Lighting Question?

nikonosis · 05/09/2007, 10:13 PM

Our tank is 24 inches deep with a 4 inch sand bed and is 95% sps. We have 3 250w halides and 2 160w vho actinic's over the tank.

How far off of the tank should the lights be?

shag26272 · 05/09/2007, 10:28 PM

8- 12 inches

joshsreef18 · 05/09/2007, 10:33 PM

i got a 40gal reef tank, i got my hallide about 6in up and it doesnt heat my tank up at all. so i would say ne thing above that would be perfect.

nikonosis · 05/10/2007, 10:25 AM

ive been keeping it about 6inches, I was just wondering if raising it up to 10 inches or so would have an affect on the coral growth.

frederickk · 05/10/2007, 01:49 PM

They will probably be affected at the beggining but will certainly adjust to it.

I do keep mine at 9'' and I'm having a good growth especially for Montipora.

damac20 · 05/10/2007, 08:41 PM

I could be wrong but I don't think a few inches of air makes a much of a difference in light intensity. I believe its once the light hits water is when the light loses its effectiveness. (pardon the lack of "technical" words) the main reason you don't want the lights too close to the water is the heat if I'm not mistaken. Plus if water splashes on a hot lamp it will crack...which I know from experience.

frederickk · 05/11/2007, 06:34 AM

Sounds good

05/09/2007, 10:13 PM	#1
nikonosis Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,935	Halide Lighting Question? Our tank is 24 inches deep with a 4 inch sand bed and is 95% sps. We have 3 250w halides and 2 160w vho actinic's over the tank. How far off of the tank should the lights be? __________________ Home is where you hang your @ 75g rimless starfire 30x24x24, Bubble Magus NAC6, 2x Vortech MP10's and 1 MP40, MaxSpect G2-160 LED, Neptune Systems AquaController Apex/w wxm module, Eheim Compact+ 3000 Pump, Aqua UV Sterilizer, BRS GFO/Carbon reactor, Marine Magic doser, Aquahub DIY Top-it-Off Kit and Aqua Lifter Vacuum Pump

05/09/2007, 10:28 PM	#2
shag26272 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 3,088	8- 12 inches __________________ .

05/10/2007, 10:25 AM	#4
nikonosis Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Posts: 1,935	ive been keeping it about 6inches, I was just wondering if raising it up to 10 inches or so would have an affect on the coral growth. __________________ Home is where you hang your @ 75g rimless starfire 30x24x24, Bubble Magus NAC6, 2x Vortech MP10's and 1 MP40, MaxSpect G2-160 LED, Neptune Systems AquaController Apex/w wxm module, Eheim Compact+ 3000 Pump, Aqua UV Sterilizer, BRS GFO/Carbon reactor, Marine Magic doser, Aquahub DIY Top-it-Off Kit and Aqua Lifter Vacuum Pump

05/10/2007, 08:41 PM	#6
damac20 Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Orlando FL Posts: 838	I could be wrong but I don't think a few inches of air makes a much of a difference in light intensity. I believe its once the light hits water is when the light loses its effectiveness. (pardon the lack of "technical" words) the main reason you don't want the lights too close to the water is the heat if I'm not mistaken. Plus if water splashes on a hot lamp it will crack...which I know from experience. __________________ "Pictures are better than words because some words are big and hard to understand."

05/09/2007, 10:33 PM	#3
joshsreef18 Registered Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Holland,Michigan Posts: 32	i got a 40gal reef tank, i got my hallide about 6in up and it doesnt heat my tank up at all. so i would say ne thing above that would be perfect.

05/10/2007, 01:49 PM	#5
frederickk Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2,712	They will probably be affected at the beggining but will certainly adjust to it. I do keep mine at 9'' and I'm having a good growth especially for Montipora.

05/11/2007, 06:34 AM	#7
frederickk Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2,712	Sounds good