Light Distance above water

[mumbulog]

I have a 250 watt mh over my 44 gallon pentagon and was wondering how far above the water the bulb should be? I have it about 16 inches above the water at this time.
Thankyou Gordon

 

[al mc]

Answer depends on what you have in the DT that you are trying to give light to......If it is a fish only tank, no problem (one extreme)...If it is populated by high light demanding anenomes, clams or stoney corals then you will need the light source closer to these animals (other extreme).

 

[mumbulog]

I want to be able to have any coral I like. How close should the light be?

 

[fishfreak1242]

It should be between 3-5" from the water surface. At least that is what I have been told.

 

[wangotango]

6-8" should be fine. Splashing with halides = not good.
-Justin

 

[digitydash]

Mine is about 12 in above the tank and I keep SPS in mine without a problem and my tank is 3 feet deep.

 

[mumbulog]

Thankyou for all of your help.