T5 Hanging height

HiImSean · Oct 17, 2021

I was just wondering what height above you tanks do you usually run a T5 fixture? I’ve got a 8x24 ATI with single RB bar going over a 32x24 tank. Of course I don’t want it to be a pain being in the way accessing the tank and I know I might need a little more height to accommodate for the missing length on the sides.

ying yang · Oct 17, 2021

Not sure the answer as mine came with tank and sits on lips at side with a few inches above the water but will sliding glass under.

But if you hanging your lights and want them closer to water,you could make a pulley system so can raise them up if need get in tank or put some kind of fastener to wall behind tank and push lights over and clip it on somehow .

fishface NJ · Oct 17, 2021

my 6 blub ATI are 8" off the top of the tank

t5Nitro · Oct 17, 2021

I've got my 8 bulb fixture 11" above the water line. Easier to work in the tank with it a bit higher.

jmichaelh7 · Oct 17, 2021

9” here

Rmckoy · Oct 17, 2021

8 bulb fixture hanging from the ceiling 5.75-6” from the water .

it’s a 27” deep tank
Following along as I might have the height incorrect

t5Nitro · Oct 17, 2021

Should be ok @Rmckoy as long as you don't see any of your corals getting fried. I have a big maxima clam doing well on the bottom glass of my 20" deep tank with the lights 11" over the water. Kind of hard to go wrong with T5 lighting heights. A lot easier to burn coral with LEDs in my experience.

Rmckoy · Oct 17, 2021

t5Nitro said:
Should be ok @Rmckoy as long as you don't see any of your corals getting fried. I have a big maxima clam doing well on the bottom glass of my 20" deep tank with the lights 11" over the water. Kind of hard to go wrong with T5 lighting heights. A lot easier to burn coral with LEDs in my experience.

I was thinking the same .
but being a deeper tank I have questioned if it’s too close or even too far away .
My 90 gal I had the same lights 5” off the top of the tank with great success growing anything .