Lights ?? Distance from Water Surface

Discussion in 'Reef Lighting' started by Otty, Dec 2, 2006.

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  1. Otty

    Otty Giant Squid

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    I am in the process this weekend of making a canopy for my tank. :hammer: It will store the lights and I was wondering if there is a magical distance that the light need to be away from the water. 8)
     
    Otty, Dec 2, 2006
    Otty, Dec 2, 2006
    #1

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  2. Tangster

    Tangster 3reef Sponsor

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    No magical number also depends on the type of lighting you are talking about M/H's 10 inches or so VHO T-5's and P/C 4 to 6 inches this has always worked for me .. Other may have better ideas .
     
    Tangster, Dec 2, 2006
    Tangster, Dec 2, 2006
    #2
  3. Otty

    Otty Giant Squid

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    The Current USA Orbit light has it's own stand that sits on the edge of the tanks and puts the lights about 2" off of the tank top and then ther is about 1 1/2" to the water, depending on the level of the water. So that makes about 3 1/2" from the water surface. This does not give much room to get in the tank for anything. ALSO Open top or glass between the light and water???? :-/
     
    Otty, Dec 2, 2006
    Otty, Dec 2, 2006
    #3
  4. amcarrig

    amcarrig Super Moderator

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    NO glass top between the light and the water. It prevents oxygen exchange and reduces the efficiency of your lighting.

    3.5" to 4" away from the water will be fine.
     
    Last edited: Dec 2, 2006
    amcarrig, Dec 2, 2006
    amcarrig, Dec 2, 2006
    #4
  5. amcarrig

    amcarrig Super Moderator

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    PS. Make sure to either cut some vents into your canopy or leave the back open to allow for heat and CO2 to escape.
     
    amcarrig, Dec 2, 2006
    amcarrig, Dec 2, 2006
    #5
  6. Otty

    Otty Giant Squid

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    I was going to put fans in the back plus put some vent holes in each side of the canopy for the fans on the Orbit light. It scares me right now to not have anything on the top of the tank due to a 2 month old son and 4 year old daughter. They may want to HELP feed the fish something.:eek: After the canopy is done this will be no problem. I will post some pictures we me and my father are done with it and it is stained. Thanks for the advice.
     
    Otty, Dec 2, 2006
    Otty, Dec 2, 2006
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  7. Malachi

    Malachi Sea Dragon

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    are you installing fans on the canopy, get a clip on computer fan. My orbit is only about 3.5" from the surfce. But i have a deep tank nd my fixture has two built in fans.
     
    Malachi, Dec 2, 2006
    Malachi, Dec 2, 2006
    #7
  8. amcarrig

    amcarrig Super Moderator

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    :thumbs_up
     
    amcarrig, Dec 2, 2006
    amcarrig, Dec 2, 2006
    #8
  9. Otty

    Otty Giant Squid

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    I was going to put them in the canopy for some additional cooling as well as the fans that are already in the light. You have any web sights a special model of computer fans?
     
    Otty, Dec 2, 2006
    Otty, Dec 2, 2006
    #9
  10. m_lacom99

    m_lacom99 Stylophora

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    I work in IT, i would recommend antec fans. They may be a little bit more expensive but are dead quiet and very reliable. Any good computer store will carry antec products. There web site is antec fans You can even get some with groovy colored LED's in them ;)

    Marc.
     
    m_lacom99, Dec 2, 2006
    m_lacom99, Dec 2, 2006
    #10
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