Metal Halide lights

[shel]

Hello everyone, I have metal Halide's on my 125g. They are about 6 inch's at the most away from the water. Someone else that used to have reef tanks told me that they need to be at least 12 in. away from the water. I was wondering how everyone else's is? What is your opion?
I am wanting to start adding corals in next couple of months. I do not want to buy them and they get burned by the lights being to close.
Thank you everyone
Shel

 

[bobber]

8 inches would be better. You should be more concerned about heat with the MH that close to the water. Also, do you have glass covers or something protecting the lights from getting splashed? They will explode is hit with water. I think 12" away from the surface is way too far. You are losing the penetration of light to the bottom of the tank. HTH--Bob

 

[mr . salty]

Although I agree 100% That water temp is affected by keeping these bulbs closer to the water,But they will not EXPLODE if water gets on them.That is unless you Splash or dump a substantial ammount on it. My 175watt bulb is only two or three inches off the water(with no glass) and gets small ammounts of water on it almost daily.I have to clean the salt residue off it weekly. I agree that more clearance is prefered,but the EXPLOSION theory is a myth.(AY LEAST WITH 175watt BULBS In my personal experiance)I also have never heard of any water contact explosions with any MH bulb....
[ May 04, 2001: Message edited by: MR . SALTY ]

 

[bobj]

The minimal safe distance for MH lights is 18" and are effective up to 36". Because of their configuration they do not have the scatter problems of tubes.
My uncle once asked me,"If you don't wear a seat belt and you don't get hurt does that mean you are safe?"

 

[missycoral]

In most all articles you read or setups for MH lighting and design for canopys as well if you notice at LFS about 8 inches are recomended 18 inches off the tank i guess you will want to light the floor up as well the purpose is lighting for the tank and with all lighting as once told to me my a board memeber well known (Shark) here you are looking ot light your tank not the flooring wasted money huh something to think about. Missy