Hanging Mh

[heath]

on my 75g mixed reef tank I will be hanging MH. they are 250w, 2 units that are dimmable...what is an optimal height to hang them, the canopy for the tank is going to be 16" (outside) and the units are roughly 6".. do I go with the 10" rule of thumb over the water... thanks..

 

[EricTMah]

Each reflector is different. You're almost going to have to play with the height until you get the right amount of light coverage.

I always use an adjustable height hanger when hanging lights. Usually in the 6"-14" off water surface range

Sony Xperia Z3

 

[heath]

thanks, I just wasn't sure on the height and the canopy is being built so its easier to do it right the first time...

 

[Sewerat]

Did you also take into consideration the heat escape for the MH lights from the canopy? Be it open top or fan exhaust

 

[heath]

yup, did think of that, the top and the back are going to be open, just the front and sides will be closed and the tank sits about 6" from the wall...my only thing is with the sump being so big I am not sure where I am going to put the ballast...any ideas...

 

[Sewerat]

I'd put the ballast on the canopy in the area of the overflow and or back corners. Likely not much to grow / req light there so if a shadow occurs who cares. If it's visually unpleasant you could put a small led bulb just to reshape the shadow

 

[jeffopentax]

Given the stand/tank/canopy will be roughly 6ft tall (i think), you could put them on top of the canopy (outside) in the back left corner. Shouldn't be able to see them, and they won't get in the way of anything inside canopy.


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[heath]

I love it when you can ask a question and there are soo many people to offer suggestions, thanks everyone..you are all the best...

 

[EricTMah]

Keep those ballasts away from any moisture.

Why don't you punch a hole in the wall and mount them in the other room?

 

[heath]

haha, you are too funny, I can't even get someone to drill a hole in the wall to run my cable wire...want the job...

 

[EricTMah]

Who needs a drill? Give it a good kick lol

Sony Xperia Z3

 

[heath]

I would gladly pay someone to kick that wall, its 12" cement... want the job..

 

[EricTMah]

Oh! Lol


Sony Xperia Z3

 

[unibob]

I would gladly pay someone to kick that wall, its 12" cement... want the job..

If you get your landlords ok, I'll blow a 4" hole through it in under 5 min

Just need you and landlord to sign saying OK.

Some locates would be nice too


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[TORX]

LIttle bit of a drive for me or I would offer as well. Just need permission from the landlord. I have the hammer drill and concrete bits (somewhere, havent used them in a long time lol)

 

[Pipes]

If your changing from T-5 to MH bulbs should you start as far from the water as possible? You will have a huge fluctuation in light spectrum yes/no???? Wouldn't want the bulbs to burn any of your corals..... and fish don't wear sun glasses.

 

[heath]

you are so right, going to start very slow and as high as I can go with the lights, bonus is to the lights are dimmable..its going to take a bit to acclimate everything and then watch them all take off, hopefully and explode ...

 

[Sewerat]

 

[Sewerat]

 

[heath]

thank you... they are sooo clear..