how high should i mount 250w MH over tank?

monty · 02/14/2010, 10:48 AM

I am going to build a new canopy for my 120 (4x2x2) and im planning on using 2 Lumenarc 3 reflectors for my 250w halides. I will also use 2 36" VHOs in the tank, and im just curious what others feel will be an optimal hight for a mixed reef. Any thoughts?

t4zalews · 02/14/2010, 10:56 AM

anywhere from 9" to 12" I feel would be just fine for your tank. I keep a 400w in a lumenarc III over my 65g at about 12"...full SPS tank.

monty · 02/14/2010, 11:00 AM

Is that 9-12" from the geight of the actual bulb placement, or bottom of reflector? (im going to assume bulb placement). I've never used such large reflectors

mfinn · 02/14/2010, 11:13 AM

On both of my tanks I use 250 watt mh's and the bottom of the bulbs are 9" from the water.

grigsy · 02/14/2010, 05:43 PM

I have my Cayman Sun reflectors about 12 inches above the water. I find that is a good height. Cuts back on heat transfer yet it is plenty of light for my inhabitants. You may though want to move your hard corals up higher towards the water surface.

I like that you are going with VHO's. They are an underrated bulb especially when supplimenting MHs. They will give you a very nice actinic look. Nicer looking than any T5 actinic or PC actinic that I have used.

t4zalews · 02/14/2010, 06:07 PM

bulb to water

monty · 02/14/2010, 06:09 PM

thanks everyone

02/14/2010, 10:48 AM	#1
monty Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Old Saybrook, CT Posts: 895	how high should i mount 250w MH over tank? I am going to build a new canopy for my 120 (4x2x2) and im planning on using 2 Lumenarc 3 reflectors for my 250w halides. I will also use 2 36" VHOs in the tank, and im just curious what others feel will be an optimal hight for a mixed reef. Any thoughts?

02/14/2010, 10:56 AM	#2
t4zalews 65g Ritteri Tank Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Royal Oak, MI Posts: 2,673	anywhere from 9" to 12" I feel would be just fine for your tank. I keep a 400w in a lumenarc III over my 65g at about 12"...full SPS tank.

02/14/2010, 11:00 AM	#3
monty Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Old Saybrook, CT Posts: 895	Is that 9-12" from the geight of the actual bulb placement, or bottom of reflector? (im going to assume bulb placement). I've never used such large reflectors

02/14/2010, 11:13 AM	#4
mfinn Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: Olympia. WA. Posts: 8,648	On both of my tanks I use 250 watt mh's and the bottom of the bulbs are 9" from the water.

02/14/2010, 05:43 PM	#5
grigsy Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Santa Cruz, CA Posts: 2,307	I have my Cayman Sun reflectors about 12 inches above the water. I find that is a good height. Cuts back on heat transfer yet it is plenty of light for my inhabitants. You may though want to move your hard corals up higher towards the water surface. I like that you are going with VHO's. They are an underrated bulb especially when supplimenting MHs. They will give you a very nice actinic look. Nicer looking than any T5 actinic or PC actinic that I have used.

02/14/2010, 06:07 PM	#6
t4zalews 65g Ritteri Tank Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Royal Oak, MI Posts: 2,673	bulb to water

02/14/2010, 06:09 PM	#7
monty Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Old Saybrook, CT Posts: 895	thanks everyone