Hanging a parabolic reflector

[Reef Monkey]

What is the best way to hang a parabolic reflector so the most about of light hits the tank (40b)? I'm guessing so that the long side if the reflector run parallel with the length of the tank, but I've heard some people comment that you want the length of the reflector to run perpendicular to the length of the tank.
Also how high should I hang my 250 se mh above the water of my 40b?

 

[Ed Hahn]

Which reflectors are you using? another question is how long and how wide is a 40 gallon breeder?
The newer high tech reflectors are averaging 20 inch spread. A 250 MH will cover 2 ft square. Most people I have talked to run their reflectors about 9 inches from water. The closer you are to water the more penetration you get, but doing this you take the chance of water splashing your bulb and then you have more trouble. For example water splashing single ended bulb will sometimes crack the bulb and fry your corals and animals.

 

[Herefishyfishy]

Direction not always necessarily conventional wisdom.
http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21354&highlight=reflector+direction

 

[Reef Monkey]

Thanks guys.