Metal Halide on a Nano

Discussion in 'Metal Halide Aquarium Lighting' started by Nealio, May 23, 2010.

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  1. Nealio

    Nealio Coral Banded Shrimp

    Joined:
    Nov 2, 2009
    Messages:
    394
    Location:
    Bradenton/Tampa, Fl
    I finally bought my 70 watt Metal Halide retro, and plan to install the reflector in a canopy above my 12 gallon tank. I would like to know what you all think the minimum height above the water's surface you would recommend. Keep in mind, this is only a 70 watt MH on an electronic ballast, and I will have a glass lid on the tank as well as a glass UV shield on the bulb, in addition to a pair of fans to circulate air around the canopy. I'd like to keep it as short as possible, and the HQI retrofits for BioCubes place the bulb about 2-3 inches above the waters surface, but I'd like to hear what you guys think before comitting to this height.
     
    Nealio, May 23, 2010
    Nealio, May 23, 2010
    #1

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  2. blackraven1425

    blackraven1425 Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Mar 1, 2010
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    4,780
    7.36 inches; you only have +-0.001 inch variance from it, or it'll be no good.
     
    blackraven1425, May 23, 2010
    blackraven1425, May 23, 2010
    #2
  3. steve wright

    steve wright Super Moderator

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    shenzhen Guangdong PRC
    ;D
    zero tolerance - thats the correct attitude IMO
     
    steve wright, May 23, 2010
    steve wright, May 23, 2010
    #3
  4. Telgar

    Telgar Snowflake Eel

    Joined:
    Jun 20, 2009
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    Location:
    Ft Washington, MD
    :jester: and I was gonna say 8" was perfect :curtain:
     
    Telgar, May 23, 2010
    Telgar, May 23, 2010
    #4
  5. tigermike74

    tigermike74 Panda Puffer

    Joined:
    Sep 24, 2008
    Messages:
    2,116
    Location:
    Southern CA
    I have mine (70w HQI as well) about 6" above and it's working out great! My clam is loving it and my zoas are growing like weeds now. The GHA is all dead and I have a huge pod explosion now. You are gonna love the results. I have a Hamilton fixture with a 70w Ushio 10000K bulb.
     
    tigermike74, May 23, 2010
    tigermike74, May 23, 2010
    #5