Lighting Design for my 150G

[BrettE]

Hi all,

How high can I mount my lights above my tank?

I'm planning to use 8 XR15s (half G5, half G6). I'm considering using the narrow beam optics too, and I'm interested in hearing if anyone has experience with those.

I plan to keep mostly SPS, specifically Acropora.

Tank Dimenions:
58"L x 22-3/4"W x 22"D

Rough layout:


Thanks!!
Brett

 

[rtparty]

The regular lenses are best around 6-8” off the water. With the narrow lens kit I’d guess 12” off the water should be good.

I ran 6 XR15s on my 250g tank and kept the lights 8” off the water. I got 400 PAR at the top of my rocks and 170 PAR on the sand. You will get higher numbers than with 8 over your tank

 

[BrettE]

You will get higher numbers than with 8 over your tank

Does that mean I could trade some PAR for moving them a bit higher?

It would be nice to have them a bit higher, so that it's easy to access the top of the tank, you know? From what I understand higher mounting would also help spread the light more evenly at the potential cost of spilling into the room. I believe that could be managed with some shrouds or baffles around the lights.

 

[Finn450]

Does that mean I could trade some PAR for moving them a bit higher?

It would be nice to have them a bit higher, so that it's easy to access the top of the tank, you know? From what I understand higher mounting would also help spread the light more evenly at the potential cost of spilling into the room. I believe that could be managed with some shrouds or baffles around the lights.

play around with the height to find the sweet spot for both Par and Spread. I've had best results with 12-14" off the water.