Lighting placement

[Dez]

Few questions

1. Why would you get a better spread if you mount your halides front to back as opposed to parallel with your tank? I have a 4 x 2 footprint and running to 400w halides. If I mount them either way, won't they still light up each 2 x 2 foot section?

2. I am debating not using my reflector that came with my bluewave retrofit kit. It is so tall! It is shaped like a big "U" shape. But if I use my other spider type reflector, it is 4 feet long and curved more like the curve of a contact lense - not quite as tall. This way the fans can blow through the 4 foot length of the hood. But if I mount it front to back with the "U" shaped reflectors, I supposedly get a "better spread" right? but the fans would be blowing right into the reflector. and this would allow me less option of mounting my 4 compact fluorescent bulbs because the tall reflector would be "blocking" some of the fluorescent lighting.

Please convince me why it would give me a better spread and if the "U" shaped reflectore is even worth it. I spent a good deal of money on them, but my 4 foot reflector is a spider typed reflectore and it's polished aluminum..

Help please. Thanks..

Des