How high to place 150w MH above 10gallon?

[Coral Master]

Hey everyone:

I was wondering how high would yall suggest to mount a 150watt MH above a 10gallon tank. I plan to get some SPS going. I just don't want the light to over heat my tank so I'm not sure how high to place it.

I heard 10inches. Does that sound good? I am not using a chiller. My temps without the light are about 76-78 during summer, I expect it to be cooler soon when summer ends, so the light will just balance it out.
Thanks fellas,
C.M.

[Physh1]

I have a 150w HQI around 8-9" above my 20 nano and when it gets to be summer time I will slowly raise it to about 12-14" to keep the heat down.

I have clams, SPS, LPS, and softies with no problems...

Cameron

[Coral Master]

Alright thanks, I guess about 10 inches will do... still got to wait for the ballast from pfo now...

[Ewan]

I started mine about 16" from the top and am at 12" after 2 months. I originally had it at 12" and my corals did not like it at all. My previous setup was 300w of VHO (Icecap).

Just go slowly.

E.

[JIM27]

I have my 150w double ended bulb about 7" over my 10g. I plan on lowerig it over time too.

[Lunchbucket]

heck i have mine sitting on top of a hood about 8-9" off the water and i DON"T have a heat problem. my apt is always about 70-72 and my tank will hit 81 maybe. if need be just add a cheap fan that will do the trick!

Lunchbucket

[Physh1]

Well, I though a little more now that i'm awake :D ...

Start off kinda higher and work your way down slowly until you find a light level your happy with. This would be important if your upgrading your current lights to a MH. You can shock the corals with too substantial of an increase.

Also, be carefull because even if we have them as close a 8"-10" sometimes it can bleach your corals out....

Just a warning...it does happen sometimes.

Cameron

[Coral Master]

Thanks fellas, I'm planning to start the light off probably 10" from surface, will keep yall posted the next few weeks.
-Steve