height of lights over the water

[greg0385]

So whats a good starting height to put 2-250watt halides over the water. The tank is 30"tall and i have 16-18" tall canopy.
Also have 4 t5s powered by a icecap 660. What height should they be or close to?

Building frame inside canopy today to mount lights in the canopy. Can build it so t5s are different height then MH if needed.

 

[nicodim55]

So whats a good starting height to put 2-250watt halides over the water. The tank is 30"tall and i have 16-18" tall canopy.
Also have 4 t5s powered by a icecap 660. What height should they be or close to?

Building frame inside canopy today to mount lights in the canopy. Can build it so t5s are different height then MH if needed.

I have mine 7" above the water line

 

[DeniseAndy]

Do they have covers? Is so, you can place them a bit closer since you have a deeper tank. However, you want them at least 9" off if not. I had one blow up from salt splatter once. Not fun. Mine are over a 24" deep tank and are about 10-12" off the surface of the water. 7" would be too close IMO but I have fish that like to jump and some top water movement that can cause more splash.

 

[greg0385]

It has glass covers, would the t5s be the same height 7-10"?

 

[DeniseAndy]

My t5s are only about 4" off the water. They tolerate the water and salt better than the metal halides. No problems after almost 2 years at this height. Except fish jumping at them sometimes.