Bulb Orientation

Pyrojon · 05/21/2006, 08:04 PM

I seem to remember there being some talk about the proper bulb orientation in relation to the viewing face of the tank. ie. I seem to remember that the bulb should sit perpendicular to the tank face, rather then parallel. However I haven't seen many light setups like this so maybe I'm wrong. Or maybe it doesn't matter.
Any thoughts or info?

Thanks
Jon

kgross · 05/22/2006, 01:47 AM

Depends on your reflector. With most reflectors they are designed to spread the light out from the sides of the bulb, so if you mount the bulb perpendicular to the front of the tank you will get a more even spread of light. Plus the shadows caused buy the socket and end of the bulb will be in the front and back of the tank, rather than on your corals in the tank.

Kim

Pyrojon · 05/22/2006, 06:54 AM

Ok, how do I know what kind of spread a given reflector will give me? Take this one for example, with a double ended bulb central.
http://www.hellolights.com/pare.html

I assume I would want this one to be parallel with my tank face, so the shadows from the bulb ends will be towards the short ends of the tank?

Thanks
Jon

kgross · 05/22/2006, 10:52 AM

From looking at that reflector you will want the bulb mounted perpendicular to the long direction of the tank. You will get a more even spread of light, plus the shadows will be outside fo the tank (as long as your tank is less than 2 feet on the short end).

Kim

05/21/2006, 08:04 PM	#1
Pyrojon Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Boston Posts: 894	Bulb Orientation I seem to remember there being some talk about the proper bulb orientation in relation to the viewing face of the tank. ie. I seem to remember that the bulb should sit perpendicular to the tank face, rather then parallel. However I haven't seen many light setups like this so maybe I'm wrong. Or maybe it doesn't matter. Any thoughts or info? Thanks Jon

05/22/2006, 01:47 AM	#2
kgross Premium Member Join Date: Nov 1999 Location: Nampa, ID Posts: 5,870	Depends on your reflector. With most reflectors they are designed to spread the light out from the sides of the bulb, so if you mount the bulb perpendicular to the front of the tank you will get a more even spread of light. Plus the shadows caused buy the socket and end of the bulb will be in the front and back of the tank, rather than on your corals in the tank. Kim

05/22/2006, 06:54 AM	#3
Pyrojon Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Boston Posts: 894	Ok, how do I know what kind of spread a given reflector will give me? Take this one for example, with a double ended bulb central. http://www.hellolights.com/pare.html I assume I would want this one to be parallel with my tank face, so the shadows from the bulb ends will be towards the short ends of the tank? Thanks Jon

05/22/2006, 10:52 AM	#4
kgross Premium Member Join Date: Nov 1999 Location: Nampa, ID Posts: 5,870	From looking at that reflector you will want the bulb mounted perpendicular to the long direction of the tank. You will get a more even spread of light, plus the shadows will be outside fo the tank (as long as your tank is less than 2 feet on the short end). Kim