Lighting

[Sea]

What is the closest I can put 175w mh bulb to glass to glass on tank. I can only make hood to be 6" high because of wife's pictures on the wall. (trouble). I also have 2 fans.

[Froggy]

What size is the tank? How deep is it ? If there is a cover of some sort either on the tank or light fixture to prevent water from splashing a nd breaking the hot bulb then you can place the fixture directly on top as long as you acclimate corals etc to the light level. I have 2 X 175 watt halides approximately 2-3 inches above the water surface. The fans will aid in removing the heat generated.

[Sea]

125g I thimk its 22"deep. glass covers the top of tank bulbs are 1 1/2 " away from glass & about 3" from water. I no I need 1 more bulb (have to save up for it). store told me 20k bulbs.

[Sea]

I also have 2 6' vho bulbs

[Sea]

Oh! how do I acclimate corals?

[seank07]

The main concern for aquarists on light placement with MH's is heat. As long as you can dissipate the heat it will cause, your cool.

[dougchambers]

Do a search for acclimating corals, but we have found the screen method to work best for us. I'm surprised you have the glass tops installed. Most people remove them for cooling and gas exchange.

A number of people are moving away from the traditional MH to water distance of 10-12" and moving down into the 6-8" with good success. The biggest hazard is water splash on the bulbs.

Doug