MH Position

[herkie]

I want to fit my 2 150w(10000k) halides to my new small tank tomorrow and need some help on the mh mounting position. The display is 1200x450deepx430wide. I want to start off with the halides I stay in Kwambonambi where it gets VERY hot in summer and decided not to have a closed hood in order to reduce heat transfer from the lights. There is a convenient mounting spot 180 mm from the tank top(220 from water level) Will it be ok if I cut holes to fit the lights at that height?
Next i have 4xt8 actinics to be mounted, what should the mount height be for them?

 

[Reaper]

Dude, with the T8's, it's as close to the surface as you can (without any risk of possible contact, of course), and as many as possible, which will evidently constrict the space for halides.

On the halides, I'm unfortunately unable to help you. Not too close due to heat production, but too far and there's not enough penetration - hence your predicament.
I'd however say the 220 from the surface should do it, that's about how high I would place mine (closed canopy with fan).

 

[herkie]

Thanks Reaper, 220 also seemed ok to me. Maybe because it's convenient to me, starting to mount now. Will let you know what it looks like once I fire them up.

 

[Reaper]

Pics, bru. You know the rules, hehe. PICS!

 

[cybervic]

From my experience with 150mh lights I would recommend between 150mm and 200mm no further. To explain (I'm not a scientist, yet ) At 100mm say your corals will be able to utilise +-100% of the light, just move the lamps up to 200mm and the available light will halve and only +- 50% will reach the corals.

Now there are many better explanations out there(just google a bit) but that is the bare basics.

One thing to remember is that MH will crack braces/glass if they are to close to them, unless the glass where hardened.

My 2c

Wikus

 

[herkie]

http://s174.photobucket.com/albums/w101/herkieviljoen/?action=view&current=DSCI0244.jpg
What must I do to get the photo instead of this link here?

 

[herkie]

Sorry about the photo quality next one should be better-at least got it here

 

[DragonReef]

Herkie, 220mm will be fine

 

[herkie]

Hi Dragon, I already mounted them 120 from the water. Do you think it is too close? What will happen if too close apart from the heating aspect?

 

[Mekaeel]

id go 200mm herkie.there are chances of the corals being burnt.im no pro at lighting lets see if someone else can confirm

 

[cybervic]

the light spread might not be what you hoped for and you have to be carefull not to burn any new corals that you introduce. My 150's are +-100mm from the water

 

[Mekaeel]

yes forgot about the light spread.

 

[leslie hempel]

mine sit 250mm ..... 220mm will be fien...

 

[herkie]

I just measured the proper distance after it was fitted and it's 140. I wonder if I should take a chance as is or must I lift the lights. I will decide what to do after you all give more advice.
Thanks a stack for all the advice.

 

[Mekaeel]

if you can raise the lights.do it.think about the long run

 

[Reaper]

Depending on the area covered by your lights, I'd say you could raise it a little, so the light can reach more of the corners, etc. Couldn't know for sure 'till we can see pics

Just my 2c

 

[Mekaeel]

yeah.how about the pics of the lights fitted on?

 

[herkie]

Im trying my best to getPhotobucket going, will post a photo soonest

 

[herkie]

Photobucket came to light.

 

[Mekaeel]

im surprised.doesnt look all that bad.the lighting looks quite dispersed!lets see what our gurus gotta say!and also judging by your overflow it should be fine in terms of water height