lighting...

[Amphiprion]

Max intensity seems to be achieved at around 3-4" above the surface, since this allows for the max overlap for most tanks without too much intensity being lost by the inverse square law (i.e. light intensity decreases by the square of the distance from the source). If you need the extra intensity, this works well. If you don't, the extra height may be a good thing. If things are doing well at the height you have with your current setup, you don't need to really mess with it. You can try lowering it 6" and see if that makes a difference if you want to experiment a bit. If it does, lower it another 3-4" until you find the ideal spot for your setup. Just do it slowly over the course of weeks, not days, to allow everything to acclimate.

 

[hux]

so a 4x39w t5 HO setup with 10000k bulbs about 3-4 inches off the tank would be sufficient?

 

[Amphiprion]

Yes, that should give you quite a few options . Bulb choice will be important. I recommend ATI, Giiesemann, UVL, and Korallen-Zucht (KZ) bulbs. Good individual reflectors are also crucial

 

[xsdbs]

Max intensity seems to be achieved at around 3-4" above the surface, since this allows for the max overlap for most tanks without too much intensity being lost by the inverse square law (i.e. light intensity decreases by the square of the distance from the source). If you need the extra intensity, this works well. If you don't, the extra height may be a good thing. If things are doing well at the height you have with your current setup, you don't need to really mess with it. You can try lowering it 6" and see if that makes a difference if you want to experiment a bit. If it does, lower it another 3-4" until you find the ideal spot for your setup. Just do it slowly over the course of weeks, not days, to allow everything to acclimate.

Thanks for the info, I have mine up higher to make it easier for cleaning the tank but have often wondered if the y were too high up. I think I will lower them to see if it's any better.