Mars Aqua 165w mounting height

[Robtee]

Hi everyone,
I'm new to the saltwater hobby and new here After almost 40 yrs of keeping several freshwater tanks (21 tanks at the moment), I'm planning my 1st reef tank. I'm thinking over the lighting...probably 2 panels Mars Aqua 165W or some similar ones (best with wifi).

The tank is shallow...130 x 50 x 30 cm (47"x 20" x 12") and is placed in the rack with other 3 tanks so there is limited space over the water level...just 24cm (9.5").
The question is...what is the smallest safe mounting height for these or similar lights above the water level? I think there should be some space above the lights for air circulation for coolers. The rack is open, no canopy. Thanks!
Robert

 

[Big G]

Welcome to R2R! My LED light is about 10" above the water level. Plenty of room for cleaning and access to the tank. High enough that not a lot of salt creep onto the lights.

 

[Robtee]

Thanks! I don't know how hot are these lights during i.e. 10 hrs of lighting. I'm affraid of LED panel overheating when placed just 4-5 cm under the shelf in the rack....and also of effect on the corals in that shallow tank as the lights will be close to them.

 

[Robtee]

Thanks! I don't know how hot are these lights during i.e. 10 hrs of lighting. I'm affraid of LED panel overheating when placed just 4-5 cm under the shelf in the rack....and also of effect on the corals in that shallow tank as the lights will be close to them.