Optimal Orientation of MH Bulbs?

[TheReefGeek]

GMGQ, where abouts did you buy the Optimal reflectors?

[GMGQ]

When I was building my stand and hood, I actually found a pre-made hood w/ the new reflectors and new Icecap MH ballasts on ebay from the states.

That hood was to be hung from the ceiling, so it wasnt applicable to my setup. But it was cheaper for me to buy that hood and take the parts from it, than buy the (2) reflectors and (2) IC250 ballasts locally.

Originally Posted by TheReefGeek

GMGQ, where abouts did you buy the Optimal reflectors?

[TheReefGeek]

Gotcha. What are the dimensions of the reflectors?

[TheReefGeek]

Are they these?

http://www.aquariumsupplycompany.com...76/2761741.htm

[GMGQ]

Yeah those look like the ones. Mine are 12" long.

Originally Posted by TheReefGeek

Are they these?

http://www.aquariumsupplycompany.com...76/2761741.htm

[StirCrazy]

In a 48" tank with two bulbs you should mount then front to back to get the maximum light distrubution. also you should shift the base of the bulbs as far back as you can as more light is thrown forward from the bulb than back wards.

a different case would be in a tank like mine where it is only 3 feet long and two foot wide I have them mounted like you do in that case as there is only 1 foot between the tips of the bulbs.

Steve

[danny zubot]

Ok my turn. I have a 36x18" tank with only 1x 400 watt MH ver it. My current relector is only a bit larger than 1 foot squared, and my bulb is perpendicular (front to back).

The reflector I'm changing to when my canopy comes is 36" long so the bulb must face parallel. How far off of center should my bulb be to cast optimal light on the center of the tank? Also, the new reflector doesn't have one of those "V" shaped light deflectors that go above the bulb. How much do those actually effect my lighting?