Metal Halide Height

sleeman · #1 12-12-2003, 11:22 PM

Hey All,
I'm just about ready to put up two 250W MH's over a 72 gal tank. Any suggestions as to how high above the top of the tank. Is there an ideal height? It is built into a wall, so I have about 2 feet above the top of the tank to play with.
Can I leave the glass tops on to cut down on evaporation, or do I need to remove them?
Any suggestions would be aprreciated.
Cheers,

Al

Stretch · #2 12-12-2003, 11:34 PM

8-12 inches is the norm, but you can go closer or farther away depending on how your temps are. I keep mine at 7.5 inches

I suggest you remove the glass tops as the glass will cut down the amount of light coming in more and more over time.

pocilipora · #3 12-13-2003, 12:11 AM

And you get better gas exchange with no glass on top.

sleeman · #4 12-13-2003, 01:41 AM

OK, and what about the ballasts. Are you keepig them in your stand? I have a sump, so wondering if it will be too moist in there?

Cheers,

Al

Stretch · #5 12-13-2003, 02:07 AM

I keep mine on top of my canopy, High and Dry

Aquattro · #6 12-13-2003, 02:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stretch

I keep mine on top of my canopy, High and Dry

Same here...

sleeman · #7 12-13-2003, 03:05 AM

I guess I could keep them on top of the plywood holding the lights and reflector, would still be inside the struture though. as well as a fair bit of weight.

Any other ideas?

Al