400 watt MH over 120 distance question

[skattabrain]

ok...

finally getting everything together, need dimensions for the cabinet/canopy builder.

i plan on 2 x 400watt radiums over a 120... what would be the ideal distance from the bulb to the water level?

ideal meaning - good for corals and good for heat dispersion ( i'll probably go a little overboard with the fans )

[skattabrain]

was thinking 8" from the bottom of the bulb.

too far? too close?

normally i could research this better, but i'm @ work and my woodworker called. :rolleyes:

[skattabrain]

^

[grunstad]

As close as possibly...but need to hinge or leave high enough to get arms in there...mine are 8-10 inches:mixed:

[skattabrain]

radiation an issue?

i could go to 6" as long as it doesn't cook my fish...

look kids, Yellow Tangs for dinner tonight! :p

[geshields]

Greg,

I have my 400W Radium @ 10" to water surface. I needed to go this height to get a 3' spread though. I would go 8" on your tank..Remember that depending on reflector, the center of the mogul will sit 3" down from the top also. If you have any more questions..give me a ring.

Greg

[skattabrain]

now that's service!

thanks greg!

getting a spider light reflector.

i told my carpenter friend, Family Woodworking (http://www.familywoodworking.com), to go 8 inches.

so i should be set.

[Chris Lakies]

Seven - Eight inches is what I have......Water Surface to bulb!!! Any-way, seems to work very well for me. I have 2-175 watt and 2-400 watt over my 120 in Reeflectors from Hello lights. Please use this link to see what I did.

http://www.reefland.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9604&highlight=not+quite+finished[/URL]

[skattabrain]

nice... that's a lot of watts you have going there!