MH light positioning
 

:idea: I am setting up the lighting for my 70G and want some opinions...I am running the reflector parallel to the tank, so, should I run the bulb parallel or perpendicular to the reflector...I am worried that the socket/bracket will cast a shadow if I run the light parallel :idea:

doesen't matter, it all depends on the area you want to cover and the lenght/width of your tank.

Steve

I want "full" coverage...just worried about shadowing...if I put it perpendicular the bracket and socket will be over the overflow which is located in the middle of the back of the tank, if I do it parallel, I was worried about a shadow effect behind the bracket and socket.

um, what shadow are we talking about here?If you have a standard socket assembly, there isn't a shadow...

I guess I am just being pessimistic...it is a regular mogul socket with a home made stainless L bracket which is the same width as the socket. I was just worried the bulk of the socket/bracket would shed a shadow...also different lights are different lengths which would lead to different offsets if the light was parallel...again maybe I am over thinking this :rolleyes:

I'm going with this :razz:

What size tank, how many bulbs/reflectors? The spiderlight style (PFO Optimal) are meant to mount perpendicular. The long single reflectors go parallel to the tank. Really though, each bulb covers a 2x2 foot area, so it isn't real important.

it is over my 75G 30 X 24 X 24 and I am going to run 1x250w MH, 2 40w 2' actinic setting it up for softies...again the overflow is in the middle of the tank and I was going to surround it with rock to hide it, so as long as the bulb is somewhere in the middle it should be fine... :redface:

Set it up like mine in that size of a tank. the one in the pictures is 35" long so you would be about 6" shorter as my tank was a 36" tank.

http://members.shaw.ca/s.l.s/diy/lig...ts/halfway.jpg

http://members.shaw.ca/s.l.s/diy/lig...ights/done.jpg

Steve

that is the style reflector I have...but am only running 1 250W bulb...I guess I will notch a spot where I can center the bulb and mount it parallel


http://members.shaw.ca/s.l.s/diy/lig...ights/done.jpg

Oh only 1 bulb, then you have to run it front to back and cut down the reflector to fit.

Steve