Halide distance to water ?
 

I am planning to ad dual 250's to my 90 gallon tank, working with my existing canopy the furthest i can mount my bulbs from the water is 5-6". Is that to close? even with cooling fans.

That's fine. Just don't splash them or rub your arm across them!!

One thing to know too is the closer they are to the water the more focused the light will be.

OUCH!!!

Corey... he said "don't" rub your arm across them!!

Ya man bad idea I got scars from my 175 on my elbows not cool. 5-6 inches should be good. A good reflector will improve your lighting also.

dang . . . do they really get that hot??

The 250 10k will get hot enough to burn wood if too close(lesson learned :redface: )and if you think the bulbs get hot,just try picking up a magnetic ballast thats been on for a couple of hours with your bare hands :mrgreen: (almost removed the finger prints on 4 fingers)

i think thats why they put them in giant heat sink boxes.