Mars Aqua led mounting height

[Chiefmaster30]

I have 2 Mars Aqua that have been mounted 17 1/2" above my tank for about 6 months. I think it's time to think about lowering them. What height would you guys recommend? It's a 60 gallon tank.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

just look at the spread of the tank. you can squint your eyes to see contrast or put a piece of cardboard over the tank and do the same.
there's is no correct formula.
I like to hit each side evenly. Then set the intensity with a meter..

 

[Chiefmaster30]

Thanks! What intensity should it be with a par meter salty?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

IMO you generally want to keep about 100 par on the sand(just under 7000 lux) and deal with the increase higher up.
If everyting right now is happy, meter the top of the tank with a par or lux meter and match that.
I would assume you'd have on that tank 500 par on top(About 30,000 lux) And IMO more is probably better.

 

[reeferbuddy215]

I have 3 mars aqua 165watt fixtures and mike are only 5" from the surface & I only have lps & soft corals but I keep my whites dimmed to approx 35-50% but I'm still experimenting but so far my xorals look great for how they were with my old led lights.

 

[Chiefmaster30]

That's a huge difference from where I currently have mine. Are you having any algae issues or anything?

 

[reeferbuddy215]

Yes but not too bad and I'm adding some gfo & activated carbon in my brs dual reactor but since I have a refugium I don't want to kill off my chaeto