Building canopy for MH: How high for 250s?

[AuroraDave]

I am buying (3) 250's to suppliment actinic VHO's in my 135 gallon reef.
1) how high above water should the MH be?
2) Should I mount the VHOs at same height or lower?
3) Should I consider 400's? (I have a chiller)
Thanks

 

[Emperator]

I have 2 - 250watters over my 100g w/ 3 - 60" VHO's.

I have my MH mounted about 10" off the surface of the water and the actinics about 6" above the water.

HTH

 

[EmilyB]

If you are wanting to do a primarily SPS tank, give some good consideration to the 400W, I think, especially since you have a chiller !!

I've never had my 250w closer than about 10", FWIW.

 

[Laurie]

yep - 10"

 

[Josh's Reef]

How tall is a 135? and what do you want to keep?
That should answer your 250 or 400 question. If you go with 400's 12 inches 250's 8-10" from the water. Fans are a must! yes I would keep all bulbs at the same hight. The vho's or PC's are just for spectral balance FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE. 10k or 12k MH dont need actinic support.

 

[mbsparo]

I have a 150 built into my wall. I have 3 x 175watt 12,000 bulbs, nothing more. I have them about 8 inches off the water. Since it's all open behind the tank, I have a simple fan blowing across the water for a couple of hours a day. Keeps my water at 78 degress year round with no heater

Take care

 

[bashcraft]

NJMike wrote:

"I have a 150 built into my wall. I have 3 x 175watt 12,000 bulbs, nothing more."

This can't be enough light for this tank. I have 2 of them over a 72 and it looks horribly dim.

These bulbs aren't worth the cardboard box they're packaged in!

Bob