MH: How close is to close :)

Sylock · 02/13/2006, 07:50 PM

Ok, I'm a little worried about only having 3 T5s in my canopy. So, what if I were to put my 250w MH in there instead? 22g tank (24x12). The MH is only a couple inches (2?) off the water.

Problems:
1) Heat, I will probably have heat issues.
2) I have an acrylic overflow about 4 inches from the bulb (melt?)

What do you think? Am I stretching it here?

mako199 · 02/13/2006, 07:52 PM

I would not do it...need at least 8".

Sylock · 02/13/2006, 07:59 PM

8", I've always done 5" at most. Hmmm.

SaraB · 02/13/2006, 08:21 PM

I have 2-250's that are 3" off the water as I have them in my canopy.

What are the issues with having them so close other than possible heat problems?

Anemonebuff · 02/13/2006, 08:31 PM

I think that 4-6" would be the minimum too keep down heat. It would need to be closer to melt stuff IMO. My shield is acrylic, and it is only 3-4" from the bulb itself(with 1 fan). If that doesn't melt I cannot imagine that the tank would either.

SDguy · 02/13/2006, 08:44 PM

250W only 2" above a 20g tank, that is, what, only 12" high? Long term success of any but the most high light demanding corals will be difficult. But if that's what you want to keep, then as long as you can keep the water temp down and stable (day to night), then I guess it would work.

02/13/2006, 07:50 PM	#1
Sylock Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 856	MH: How close is to close :) Ok, I'm a little worried about only having 3 T5s in my canopy. So, what if I were to put my 250w MH in there instead? 22g tank (24x12). The MH is only a couple inches (2?) off the water. Problems: 1) Heat, I will probably have heat issues. 2) I have an acrylic overflow about 4 inches from the bulb (melt?) What do you think? Am I stretching it here? __________________ 36"x30"x24" tank. 2x400w 20K MH Current Tank Info: 113 gallon 36x30x24

02/13/2006, 07:52 PM	#2
mako199 Tankless! Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cary, IL Posts: 800	I would not do it...need at least 8". __________________ Mike _____________ Click the Homepage link for my (just another) 120g in wall thread. Current Tank Info: 40g Lizard tank

02/13/2006, 07:59 PM	#3
Sylock Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: SE Michigan Posts: 856	8", I've always done 5" at most. Hmmm. __________________ 36"x30"x24" tank. 2x400w 20K MH Current Tank Info: 113 gallon 36x30x24

02/13/2006, 08:21 PM	#4
SaraB Coral Killer Join Date: May 2005 Location: Hampshire, IL Posts: 4,449	I have 2-250's that are 3" off the water as I have them in my canopy. What are the issues with having them so close other than possible heat problems? __________________ Sara

02/13/2006, 08:44 PM	#6
SDguy Fish heads unite! Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: San Diego Posts: 19,867	250W only 2" above a 20g tank, that is, what, only 12" high? Long term success of any but the most high light demanding corals will be difficult. But if that's what you want to keep, then as long as you can keep the water temp down and stable (day to night), then I guess it would work. __________________ Peter SDMAS member Marine tanks since 1989. ><((((º>`·.¸¸.·´¯`·.¸.·´¯`·...¸><((((º> ·´¯`·.¸. , . .·´¯`·.. ><((((º> Current Tank Info: 150g crashed reef. 240g butterfly and angel FOWLR. 20g clarkii clown cube. 15g QT.

02/13/2006, 08:31 PM	#5
Anemonebuff Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: LI,NY Posts: 3,881	I think that 4-6" would be the minimum too keep down heat. It would need to be closer to melt stuff IMO. My shield is acrylic, and it is only 3-4" from the bulb itself(with 1 fan). If that doesn't melt I cannot imagine that the tank would either.