Minimum distance between aquarium and ceiling for lighting

[G-BO]

Can anyone help me? I have an aquarium 72Lx24Wx30H is 1 foot enough distance for lighting if I want to grow coral and fish etc. My ceiling 7ft. I can’t move forward until I figure out the height I can make my stand. I want it to be as high as possible and need to keep in mind I have to fit my sump and whatever else I need under it. The stand I was going to make was going to be 40” and that would make my tank sit 6ft and ceiling is 7ft my stand is made from 2x6s and that would give me 22” opening for access in the stand. Can anyone help me that has a lot of experience or the same setup or similar?

 

[SnowyFox]

Optimal lighting height depends a lot on the specific type of light used. Some can be mounted right on the top of the tank, others need around 6-9", and some need a few feet of space.

 

[Subsea]

@G-BO

One foot of clearance to the ceiling limits maintenance inside of tank. I would think
“long & hard” on this.

 

[lbacha]

Your issue won’t be lighting it will be working in a 30” tank with only 12”’s of clearance. I would consider a lower stand otherwise the tank will be a PITA to maintain. As for lighting there are lots of led options that are designed to be mounted 8-9” above the tank. The issue with that is you will not have much clearance for heat exchange which will impact the service life of the lights

 

[Freenow54]

Can anyone help me? I have an aquarium 72Lx24Wx30H is 1 foot enough distance for lighting if I want to grow coral and fish etc. My ceiling 7ft. I can’t move forward until I figure out the height I can make my stand. I want it to be as high as possible and need to keep in mind I have to fit my sump and whatever else I need under it. The stand I was going to make was going to be 40” and that would make my tank sit 6ft and ceiling is 7ft my stand is made from 2x6s and that would give me 22” opening for access in the stand. Can anyone help me that has a lot of experience or the same setup or similar?

I used 4 by 4 and 2 by 6. Just remember to leave lots of headroom for sump maintainable and to get in supm skimmer ot. I also painted the inside with high quality paint to stop salt and water damage. I also cut plexiglass to fit on the inside bottom. Makes salt creep salt and water clean up easy. As far as main tank don't forget that it can't be too high you need to acces it also. As far as rock leave lots of space between it and Glas. Easier to clean glass and gives fish places to hang out away from your line of site. I watched a video on BRS they did light placement experiment. With the light they used 8 inches above the water is best. Don't forget your rocks will block the light and change your par. My lights are about 8 inches above " Aquanest " my par is all over the map

 

[G-BO]

Thanks for all your input, everything everyone’s said I’ve took into consideration. The top of my tank is now going to have 16” of clearance to ceiling. Does anyone have any last opinions before I put the stamp of approval?

 

[MnFish1]

Can anyone help me? I have an aquarium 72Lx24Wx30H is 1 foot enough distance for lighting if I want to grow coral and fish etc. My ceiling 7ft. I can’t move forward until I figure out the height I can make my stand. I want it to be as high as possible and need to keep in mind I have to fit my sump and whatever else I need under it. The stand I was going to make was going to be 40” and that would make my tank sit 6ft and ceiling is 7ft my stand is made from 2x6s and that would give me 22” opening for access in the stand. Can anyone help me that has a lot of experience or the same setup or similar?

Many of the lighting companies recommend 8 inches - above the tank. So - you have 4 inches - though we don't know the stand height. You can get a hanging light it should not be an issue - However - the heat from the light often is directed upward - and depending on the light you choose (for example you could not choose a metal halide) - talk to the manufacturer - another option is buying a shorter tank. (I'm assuming you already have the 30H tank - you can also build / buy a lower stand. I might speak with an electrician who could tell you what kind of lights you could mount directly into your ceiling.

 

[G-BO]

Many of the lighting companies recommend 8 inches - above the tank. So - you have 4 inches - though we don't know the stand height. You can get a hanging light it should not be an issue - However - the heat from the light often is directed upward - and depending on the light you choose (for example you could not choose a metal halide) - talk to the manufacturer - another option is buying a shorter tank. (I'm assuming you already have the 30H tank - you can also build / buy a lower stand. I might speak with an electrician who could tell you what kind of lights you could mount directly into your ceiling.

The only problem with building a lower stand and yes it a 72Lx24Wx30H is fitting everything I need underneath it for sump etc..

 

[MnFish1]

The only problem with building a lower stand and yes it a 72Lx24Wx30H is fitting everything I need underneath it for sump etc..

I would (obviously before starting) - check if there are any options for lighting -some can be custom mounted in your ceiling. Otherwise - would suggest a shorter tank, a shorter stand or I'm sure multiple people will have helpful suggestions!