Light height

[Glenng78]

i have a water cube 10 that is cycling now , and I had the idea of mounting a floating shelf 2-3 feet above the tank. I am going to put GFCI outlet with the shelf, and my idea is to hang the light from the shelf with the wires plugged in up top. I think this will be a nice clean look, and I hate wires running up my walls. So my choices for light are down to 3 , which 2 of them I already have. I already have a :
Kessil a360n
Kessil a160
Or I would sell them and buy an AI prime hd or hydra 26 .
My main question is how high above the tank can I get away with mounting the light, and still get decent penetration and minimal spill outside the tank. Btw the tank is approx 14x14x14
Opinions ? Suggestion ?

 

[Crabs McJones]

i have a water cube 10 that is cycling now , and I had the idea of mounting a floating shelf 2-3 feet above the tank. I am going to put GFCI outlet with the shelf, and my idea is to hang the light from the shelf with the wires plugged in up top. I think this will be a nice clean look, and I hate wires running up my walls. So my choices for light are down to 3 , which 2 of them I already have. I already have a :
Kessil a360n
Kessil a160
Or I would sell them and buy an AI prime hd or hydra 26 .
My main question is how high above the tank can I get away with mounting the light, and still get decent penetration and minimal spill outside the tank. Btw the tank is approx 14x14x14
Opinions ? Suggestion ?

Use the single a360 since you have it. In that footprint itll grow anything :) and being higher wattage you can mount it higher.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Take the 360 and fill a 14x14 square on the floor with the circle of light the lamp projects. That’s the optimum hanging Heith.

Use decorative chain or dark colored rod to mount or hang the light.
You can get Steele anodized black or brass usually at the Home Depot in bench stock or the lamp department. Probaly have some mounting options too as well as some ideas on how to hide or decorate the cables too like cable channels.

In order of power (par) 160 prime 360 hydra. The prime and 360 are probably equally matched with the 360 ahead by a nose with more even coverage on the sand bed. The 360 will most likely easily give you 100 par on the sand.