lighting distance

i'm currently setting up my tank and i have a question about lighting. i want to figure out what the appropriate distance should be between my mh (150 watt) and the water's surface. it's a standard 15 gallon aga (24.12.12) and from the information i've gathered, anywhere between 8-12 inches would be the norm. i plan on keeping a bta, softies and a few lps...any helpful pointers would be appreciated. thanks.

 

WOw. That's a lot of light for what you plan to keep in a shallow tank. If your tank is stable you could keep SPS and clams, etc.

I had a 150w on a 20 long. I actually just ordered a 70w with T5 fixture to replace it. But I had a pendant and it spilled a lot of light.

Anyway, to answer your question. I'd go on the high side of the norm 8-12 inches to help keep heat down.

 

thank you for the reply matt. i was contemplating a 70w mh but from everyone i talked to, they said the par of the 70w mh didn't compare to a 150w mh. i also wanted to keep a bta, possibly a monti cap and a crocea eventually. i wiil probably hang the light approx. 12 inches from the tank and raise or lower it depending upon the needs of the animals i purchase, thanks again for the input.

 

Installing fans on the halide can relieve most of the heat.

 

if heat does become an issue, i was thinking about installing an icecap fan to blow across the waters surface.

 

and speaking of icecap fans....has anyone seen or does anyone know a stable and clean way to mount the fan directly to the tank (aga)?