light has been mounted to the ceiling, and currently hung about 10 inches off water. I can re-adjust height cable to my liking based on evaporation, temperature, etc etc.
the fixture came with two timers, each supporting two devices. i followed sunpod specifications and running HQI #1 and hood fan on timer one. Timer two is just running HQI #2. The manual recommends to run one of the HQI / hood fan for 11-12 hours per day. The other timer should run the other HQI for 6-10 hours a day. So the lighting becomes kind of staggered. I am assuming this is to keep from shocking the fish/corals due to having both halides turn off and on at the same time.
Right now, I have one HQI/fan running for 12 hours a day. The second HQI turns on one hour later, and turns off one hour earlier, for a total of 10 hours. Do you think I can get away with running the second halide for 6 hours, as stated in the manual? My setup will be fish only, slowly moving to corals after tank fully stabalizes. Evaporation is a concern, so I do not want to leave these lights on too long if overkill. Any input is greatly appreciated =)