How Far from the Water Surface for a MH 250 Watt Light

[jaymz69]

I am getting 250 MH light. I need to build a canopy for my 36 gallon Bow Front Tank.

How far should the light be from the water surface for a 250 watt MH on a 36 gallon.
And I suppose I will need to place a fan behind it?



Thanks

 

[Sasquatch]

for acclimation to the new light you either go high and move it down over time or screen the tank with window mesh (2 or 3 layers) removing them layer at a time or a couple of weeks.
In a canopy probably 8 to 10 inches, a fan is a very good idea cause you will be making a lot of heat

 

[Myteemouse]

my bulbs are about 12 inches from the water !

 

[akunochi]

Yep my 250's were 12-15 inches depending on rock work using lumenarc reflectors.

 

[Krish]

I had mine 9 inches from the water on my 75gal. Main thing is not to let water splash on the hot bulb or it will possibly crack like one did on me.

 

[mfinn]

I usually did about 9".