how high above acrylic tank should light be?

RabbitKC99 · 02/07/2008, 12:42 PM

Just ordered a retrofit kit with 4x96W compact fluorescent lights - how high above the acrylic cross brace should it be? I'm worried about heat and melting of the acrylic.

Thanks!

fade2black · 02/07/2008, 02:02 PM

PC lights will never get hot enough to melt acrylic.

Lucky-rc · 02/07/2008, 02:50 PM

I have MH 150watts 3 inches above mine with no ill effects. They have been like this 4-5 yrs. I just raised them cause equip. changes have began to raise my temp.
Your lighting will be fine no matter how close.

Lucky

RabbitKC99 · 02/07/2008, 03:21 PM

thanks to both of you for your replies! I figure I have about 2 inches of clearance - good to know it is gonna work out (and I don't need to build a new hood now).

Lucky-rc · 02/07/2008, 03:23 PM

Glad to help...

Lucky

SWANN · 02/07/2008, 05:58 PM

I had 3 X 400 watt MH crack the top of my acylic tank, after moveing the tank from the garage into the living room where it was warmer. The bottom of my bulbs were about 9in above/from the acylic. If your worried use fans... like I should have done. Or raise stronger lights a tad higher.

02/07/2008, 12:42 PM	#1
RabbitKC99 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New York City! Posts: 133	how high above acrylic tank should light be? Just ordered a retrofit kit with 4x96W compact fluorescent lights - how high above the acrylic cross brace should it be? I'm worried about heat and melting of the acrylic. Thanks!

02/07/2008, 02:50 PM	#3
Lucky-rc Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: central Ohio Posts: 450	I have MH 150watts 3 inches above mine with no ill effects. They have been like this 4-5 yrs. I just raised them cause equip. changes have began to raise my temp. Your lighting will be fine no matter how close. Lucky __________________ Fast women... Expensive hobbies... Whats left? Current Tank Info: 310 gal. mix-reef

02/07/2008, 03:23 PM	#5
Lucky-rc Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: central Ohio Posts: 450	Glad to help... Lucky __________________ Fast women... Expensive hobbies... Whats left? Current Tank Info: 310 gal. mix-reef

02/07/2008, 02:02 PM	#2
fade2black Premium Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Mentor, Ohio Posts: 1,358	PC lights will never get hot enough to melt acrylic.

02/07/2008, 03:21 PM	#4
RabbitKC99 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New York City! Posts: 133	thanks to both of you for your replies! I figure I have about 2 inches of clearance - good to know it is gonna work out (and I don't need to build a new hood now).

02/07/2008, 05:58 PM	#6
SWANN Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Maryland Posts: 233	I had 3 X 400 watt MH crack the top of my acylic tank, after moveing the tank from the garage into the living room where it was warmer. The bottom of my bulbs were about 9in above/from the acylic. If your worried use fans... like I should have done. Or raise stronger lights a tad higher.