Powerful halides 4" from water line

[t5Nitro]

I will have 3 250w DE 14k metal halides above my tank. Well, the canopy the tank has is only about 10 inches high or so. It can't be smart to hook the halides almost tight to the top for heat reasons. So if I hang them down about half way it is almost right on the water line, is this ok or no?

[reefrottie]

I would not mount them that close to the water... can you cut the top of the canopy so that it is open just above the lights to allow the heat to escape?

[reefnetworth]

i would not suggest it. MH's put off alot of heat. unless you have a chiller, and some very strong fans in the hood to disperse the heat. most reefers and myself keep them at least 6" - 8" above water level for those reasons. hope this helps some, have a great night,
JDM...:smokin:...:p

[t5Nitro]

Is it just the heat that would be the issue or is the light too strong that close?

[Pistonkev]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9412264#post9412264 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by t5Nitro
Is it just the heat that would be the issue or is the light too strong that close?

Yes that is a problem too to much light too close to corals what are you keeping? How deep is your tank?

[t5Nitro]

The tank is around 22-24" high. From sand to the top of the water line it would be around 17-18". Keeping clams, SPS, LPS, and softies.

[t5Nitro]

What do you suggest doing? The canopy maybe 10" and the pendant 4" so lower it 2 inches and get your 4" off the water line. I really don't have any tools and not that good with woodworking to make an extension to the canopy or a whole new one.

[Nohatch]

I have a 250w halide about 4" from the water with a fan blowing on the bulb. The tank is about 22" I have never had any problems. I keep lps and softies. They grow like crazy. You may be ok.