Metal Halide Question

[Platinum]

If my canopy is only 7 inchs tall, can I use MH??? I heard that you need to have them at least 8 - 12 inches above the water. Is that a must or is that so the water doesnt get too hot, becuse I have a chiller. Please let me know. TIA

 

[reefrunner69]

If my canopy is only 7 inchs tall, can I use MH???

Yes, but a 7" canopy is going to translate to about 5 or 6" from the surface of the water after everything is mounted. The reason the height is recommended is because of splash, if a hot MH bulb gets splashed, it will shatter. Personally my bulb is about 7-5" from the surface of the water with no splash gaurd and I haven't had a problem, but that may not be the case for you.

 

[biotoxin]

no splash guard? tsk tsk

 

[jackdp]

Just to add...what is your canopy made of? If it is a stock plastic canopy without any cooling fans, a MH fixture may melt it

 

[reefrunner69]

Personally my bulb is about 7-5"

That is a typo, it should read 7-8", my apologis.

 

[Platinum]

My cannopy is made of wood.

 

[Electrobes]

what would cause splashes.. I am in the middle of a huge decision (tank rearrangement) and may have a halide. If one does not have fish and nothing bubbling in the tank... then what else would one be afraid of?