Does position matter on Metal Halide?

[jay24k]

I get my halides in tommorrow for my 180 and was wondering if position matters. I see some who have the bulbs point toward the front but since I'm adding VHO's, I would think the best orientation would be toward the sides. That way I can have the bulbs run on the insides of the curved reflectors just down a bit more. Also, I can lift up the hood and not get blinded.

Any ideaS?

[jay24k]

Is there any reason why this isn't recommended?

[fishboy19]

yes....and I have mine pointed perpendicular to the front of the tank. If you do it the other way, from what I understand, you get a shadow effect on the base side of the tank (which would be the edges, and it doesn't look as good, and its not as good for the corals of course.

Hope this helped ya...

-Matthew

[georeef]

My MH are parallel to the front. You do get a slight dead spot on the first light in the row. Initially, I was concerned with not having enough room for the VHOs on either side of the MH (front and back). If I could do it over again, I would point the bulbs towards the front.