lighting question?

[zippyjr123]

Ok we are trying to figure out how far away from the top of the tank the lighting should be. The tank will be 96Lx22wx18h.the lighting will be the
HL 48" 8 Lamp T5 Fixture. we are going to build the stand and the top of the stand but not sure how far to put the lights
Thanks
Rose

 

[daugherty]

mine are about 2 to 3 inches above the water

 

[Keaton]

Mine sit about 4" above. Heat isn't a consideration with T5's but having them up further or down closer to the water both have their disadvantages with a big fixture like yours. I like mine up a bit higher so i can access my tank w/o having to move my lights.

 

[dustin_P74]

mine are about 3 inches above the water, like keaton said, heat isnt an issue with t-5's

 

[XxKnuckleheadxX]

i think you need a bigger light or another one for that long of a tank. 96" tank with a 48" light? if im reading that correctly?

 

[zippyjr123]

i think you need a bigger light or another one for that long of a tank. 96" tank with a 48" light? if im reading that correctly?

I got two of them, got them at a good price :)

 

[yote]

As long as you have enough room to work in the tank,you'll be good.

 

[zippyjr123]

ok another question The lights do not have a shield on them so how bad is that? Should I get something to protect the lights from the water? If so what would be the best way to go about doing so.
I also want to thank you all for all the help,if it wasn't for all of you I would be lost.

 

[daugherty]

i just have glass tops on my tank since there is no protection for my lights either

 

[dustin_P74]

i took the sheild off mine, it keeps the bulbs cooler and that ups their PAR i believe

 

[reeffreak]

ok another question The lights do not have a shield on them so how bad is that? Should I get something to protect the lights from the water? If so what would be the best way to go about doing so.
I also want to thank you all for all the help,if it wasn't for all of you I would be lost.

At one time or another,salt creep and splashing will get on the bulbs/reflectors.It will be a pain to clean and some that aren't aluminum will rust so I recommend a shield.Plexiglass/acrylic shields can be bought at Lowe's and HD.Some will even cut it for you and get the thin kind,btw.