Lowering LED lights

jhowerton · 03/07/2015, 10:29 PM

Hi Im just starting a 40b with a few SPS & LPS corals and one clownfish.

I currently have a 300w MARS LED suspended 12 inches over the tank, i want to make a floating rim around the light. Why do I have it keep it 12 inches above the water? Its adjustable, why cant it be closer to the water.

Thanks for the advice.

mcgyvr · 03/08/2015, 08:45 AM

Who said it can't be closer?
Closer would just mean stronger/deeper light with less spread due to the angle of the optics.

But there is no "it must be 12 inches" rule

jrp1588 · 03/08/2015, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

But there is no "it must be 12 inches" rule

Well that's comforting.

My only concern would be the LED colors not spreading evenly, so you'd get more dico effect. You could potentially spotlight certain corals more and burn them.

STRATNEST6769 · 03/08/2015, 09:57 AM

It depends on the optics go 12" min to be safe

Guygettnby · 03/08/2015, 01:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgyvr

Who said it can't be closer?
Closer would just mean stronger/deeper light with less spread due to the angle of the optics.

But there is no "it must be 12 inches" rule

+1

Just adjust the power to where you need it. Only by difference will be the spread of the light and what optics you use.

delor-02 · 03/08/2015, 03:53 PM

I think the 12" rule of thumb came from the world of MH fixtures. Accidental splash of water (from a fish maybe) could actually cause the MH bulb to shatter because of their high temperature of the bulb compared to the realized cool temperature of the water.

My LEDs are about 5-6 inches from the surface of my water with no issues besides some salt on the fixtures.

jhowerton · 03/16/2015, 05:32 AM

Thanks for the replies everyone. My Mac Book has been out of commission for a few days si I haven't been able to reply..

03/07/2015, 10:29 PM	#1
jhowerton Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Seminole, FL Posts: 53	Lowering LED lights Hi Im just starting a 40b with a few SPS & LPS corals and one clownfish. I currently have a 300w MARS LED suspended 12 inches over the tank, i want to make a floating rim around the light. Why do I have it keep it 12 inches above the water? Its adjustable, why cant it be closer to the water. Thanks for the advice. __________________ ...JIM... Current Tank Info: 20 gal 1 sebae clown doesn't play well with others, 40b mixed SPS/LPS

03/16/2015, 05:32 AM	#7
jhowerton Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Seminole, FL Posts: 53	Thanks for the replies everyone. My Mac Book has been out of commission for a few days si I haven't been able to reply.. __________________ ...JIM... Current Tank Info: 20 gal 1 sebae clown doesn't play well with others, 40b mixed SPS/LPS

03/08/2015, 08:45 AM	#2
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	Who said it can't be closer? Closer would just mean stronger/deeper light with less spread due to the angle of the optics. But there is no "it must be 12 inches" rule

03/08/2015, 09:57 AM	#4
STRATNEST6769 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Telford Pa Posts: 40	It depends on the optics go 12" min to be safe

03/08/2015, 03:53 PM	#6
delor-02 Moved On Join Date: Jul 2013 Posts: 43	I think the 12" rule of thumb came from the world of MH fixtures. Accidental splash of water (from a fish maybe) could actually cause the MH bulb to shatter because of their high temperature of the bulb compared to the realized cool temperature of the water. My LEDs are about 5-6 inches from the surface of my water with no issues besides some salt on the fixtures.