how high to mount my mh

[scottmdebord]

Hay all just pick up 2x250 mh and I'm going to build a hood to mount them I was thinking about 14 inch of the water is that good or should I go higher or lower . Ps its on a 60 gal 21.5 inchs deep . Thanks all

 

[trido]

9-11inches is ideal IMO.

 

[scottmdebord]

Okay at 9 to 10 inch should I have to move any of my corals deeper in the tank

 

[Chichas01]

I agree with Trido. 9-10" should be good for you. My tank is about your same depth and I have my 2 250's at 9".

 

[Scooterman]

Be sure to Slowly acclimate your tank to the new light, otherwise you may do some damage to your corals.

 

[Herefishyfishy]

Height based on tank width and length and design of reflector.
Want full tank coverage and high enough to be out of the way, but low enough for maximum water penetration. No set formula, best to hold lit reflector manually to determine best height. On my 72 tank, bulbs in lumenbrights are 8" above water, previous 180 tank, 10". On 24 nano, 4" or so...

 

[scottmdebord]

How do I acclimate them slowly . Also how many fans should I use I was thinking 1 4 inch should do

 

[Dutch-1969]

Totally agree with HereFishyFishy and please, do not forget to slowly acclimate your tank to your new light system, otherwise you will hurt and burn your corals

Han

 

[fatboyt123]

I think finn uses mesh or eggcrate to acclimite. Sart with like three layers and then every few day take a layer off.

 

[fatboyt123]

To go back with the thread, My DIY lumenarc's are 14 inches off the water on my 155.

 

[mfinn]

I think finn uses mesh or eggcrate to acclimite. Sart with like three layers and then every few day take a layer off.

I do use the eggcrate and window screen method. 3-4 layers, removing one layer every 4-5 days.
Set you lights on a timer and you don't have to mess with changing the lighting period.

Also I have my 250 watt bulbs 9" from the water. It's a good distance for most corals. I have leather corals growing right near the surface of the water.

 

[TWallace]

Height depends on reflector as well. I've seen many people recommend that Lumen Brites be placed so that the bulb is 16-18 above the water. That's how I have mine. I love having the bulbs that high off the water. Gives me lots of room to work when I need to get into the tank.

 

[MrGone]

I was just going to mention that too, I think most reflectors do well in the 9-10" range but the Lumenbrites do best higher up like TWallace said. Plus having them that high off helps reduce heat.

 

[scottmdebord]

Well I don't know what the reflector is call but its pfo brand if that helps I held them over my tank and I get get good light at the bottom all the way up to 16 inch of the water. I think I'm going to go with 11 inch thow. Thanks for all the help everyone and happy holidays

 

[hernluis]

man , maybe i will move mine closer. mine are dual 175w at about ten inches

 

[hernluis]

whooops, never mind, mine are about twelve inches, just measured, definately need to move closer dont you think?

 

[darklcd]

I have mt 250 MH 9" off the top of my 55 gal I had it higher for a while cover the whole tank but moved it down once I got some better t5 bulbs