Halides vs. T5's for reef

Why are your lights 16" above the waters surface is what I am wondering?

 

I was told by my LFS that they should be 15-17" to help reduce "cooking" the fish. Ideally where should they be?

 

Most people run their MH lamps 6"-10" from water depending on wattage and spread needed... Obviously higher wattage lamps tend to be put higher or people with wider tanks with smaller reflectors also raise them abit to get better coverage... BUT that is why companies like SLS or Coralvue make the big boys like Lumenmax or Lumenbright, for more spread.

I personally like T5... Yes MH is tried and true but more people like myself are proving that T5 is tried and true also. Think that "good" T5 units and retros are still in their infancy. I like the more complete coverage, consistent coverage, lower heat, less energy and $ spent on lighting and better color blending.
Many people in the biz really think that in 5-10 years MH will be phased out in favor of T5, LED and SUPER OUTPUT compact flourescents.... Similar to the spirals for your house, there will soon be some big hitters in the same shape for aquariums that will use a FRACTION of the juice.

With that said, like stated I run a 180 reef all T5 will SPS just about to the sand, you can easily go both ways... Factor in cost, cost to run, aesthetics and heat and make your decision from that.

Good luck

 

I'm going to follow up fragenstein by bashing t5's. JK JK JK they work just fine but I personally like my mh's and don't see me getting away from them.

 

Personally, If my tank was less than 24" tall, then I would go with all t-5s. My 45 is 24", and my 150 is 28" tall. I use MH with t5 suppliments. I love the ability of t5s to alter the colors and add to the dusk dawn effect.

The new hood I am making uses 2 - 250W MH, 2 - 175W MH, 4 - 39W t5, 2 - 110W t8.
Should be interesting