MH Bulbs - Do you have them parallel or perpendicular?

[Aquariust]

I've read that mounting the reflectors and bulbs perpendicular to the front of the tank you get better light spread across the tank. I've seen pics of people doing both, and I wonder how they like it? Come on guys, nearly all of us have MH, so this is a topic we can all reply to

Reef On!

[scubadude]

parralel....i can definately see some merits in perpendicular but there also some drawbacks too....IMO its 6 to 1 , 1/2 dozen to another :P I think it has alot to do with the lights...dimensions of the tank...and more variables at play.

[organicreefer]

ive always mounted parrallel ,but i just received a spiderlight reflector in the mail,and it says to mount perpendicular,so thats how ive planned the new setup.

[GregD]

I am with Scubadude on this one...

I think it provides a better light spread to mount the MH perpendicular, however due to the depth of my tank and canopy I currently have my lights mounted parallel.

It seems the largest factor to come into play is the dimensions of the tank. I have noticed this in friends tanks as well !!!

HTH,
Greg D

[JerryReef]

I say it is more the function of the reflectors.

But lamps do also radiate differently from one to the other, and not necessary the area directly vertical to the center of the lamp is always the center of highest illumination. Some lamps need to operate at a certain tilt so proper placement is also critical, for optimum performance and longevity. Height placement effects the area of illumination......Ya-da, ya-da.....

So I will go with the general multi varible theory.

Just consider the Aqualine and Giesemann models, as they have fixtures with parallel orientation; granted that they for the dbl-ended contact models.

Also consider, at least from the experts that the MH lamps have a 2' x 2' area of operation. The 250watt 10000K goes to a dept of 2', as well; based on the manufacturer's recommended 12" height. But from what I've seen, most reefers tend to prefer the 8"-9" distance, which again will affect the area of coverage.


Jerry
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A mind that is stretched by new experience, can never return to its old dimensions.