Lighting schedule and mounting T5 lights

[MoshJosh]

Currently upgrading my 15 gallon tank to a 20 gallon, mainly because it's the largest tank I can fit on the shelf. But cramming the biggest tank possible onto a small shelf has caused some difficulties, namely I don't have a ton of room for my lighting. I just bought a 2 bulb T5 fixture to replace my fluval LED's (the LED's are OK, but I want a bit more light). The fixture will fit snuggly in the shelf above the tank (think like a wooden raised hood), but would only sit about 6" above the tank. I will be tight, but I should be able to fit and maintain my HOB equipment even in the limited space.

That said, is it safe to keep a fixture in a relatively enclosed space???

Is 6" above the water too close?

The alternative would be to cut a fixture sized hole in the shelf above the tank and set the fixture on the shelf, letting it shine down through the hole. . . making the light 8-9" above the water. . . maybe more.

Also What lighting schedule should I run? Right now I do 1 hour of wind up 10 hours full blast 1 hour wind down and 2 hours of just blue. I wont be able to dim the T5s, nor will I have the option of just blues (unless I throw an LED strip on. . . which I might do).

I plan on running 1 coral + and 1 blue + Recommend a lighting schedule?

 

[BroccoliFarmer]

Currently upgrading my 15 gallon tank to a 20 gallon, mainly because it's the largest tank I can fit on the shelf. But cramming the biggest tank possible onto a small shelf has caused some difficulties, namely I don't have a ton of room for my lighting. I just bought a 2 bulb T5 fixture to replace my fluval LED's (the LED's are OK, but I want a bit more light). The fixture will fit snuggly in the shelf above the tank (think like a wooden raised hood), but would only sit about 6" above the tank. I will be tight, but I should be able to fit and maintain my HOB equipment even in the limited space.

That said, is it safe to keep a fixture in a relatively enclosed space???

Is 6" above the water too close?

The alternative would be to cut a fixture sized hole in the shelf above the tank and set the fixture on the shelf, letting it shine down through the hole. . . making the light 8-9" above the water. . . maybe more.

Also What lighting schedule should I run? Right now I do 1 hour of wind up 10 hours full blast 1 hour wind down and 2 hours of just blue. I wont be able to dim the T5s, nor will I have the option of just blues (unless I throw an LED strip on. . . which I might do).

I plan on running 1 coral + and 1 blue + Recommend a lighting schedule?

I have a T5 hybrid 7 inches above my water...and it is fine. Every now and then you get a little salt spray onto your lights which you clean off in your monthly maintenance. Your lighting schedule is pretty much the same that I have. Ramp up from 1130 to 1230. Full blast to 930. Ramp down to 1030.