Switching from China LED to T5

[Mike O.]

Hi everybody,

I have a Reefer 250 and switching from a China box to an 8 bulb T5 (24 watt). Does anyone have a mounting height recommendation above the water line? The tank is 21" deep.

Thanks in Advance

 

[Crabs McJones]

Hi everybody,

I have a Reefer 250 and switching from a China box to an 8 bulb T5 (24 watt). Does anyone have a mounting height recommendation above the water line? The tank is 21" deep.

Thanks in Advance

Do you have access to a par meter? I'd start out kind of high just so that you don't shock anything or start frying corals, i'd say 14 to 16 inches off waters surface just to be safe. But if you can, see if a local reefer near you has a par meter they'd be willing to let you borrow so you know some exact numbers you're getting out of the fixture :)

 

[reefndude]

When I was running a t5 fixture I started off at about 16" above water surface. I didn't have a par meter handy so I had to keep a close eye on my sps. Not the best way to go about. I lowered it an inch every couple of weeks and ended up setting 10" above water line

 

[Bpb]

10-12” operating height is generally acceptable if you’re using an ati fixture. If you’re using an aquatic life, giesemann, or any other brand, you can go much closer to the water. 3-4” or so. Most of the other options out there come with tank mount legs that put them fairly close to the water.

 

[Mike O.]

Thank you for the input so far. I failed to mention that it'll have a Reef Brite XHO blue bar attached as well. Just waiting on the bulbs to come in from BRS. 12" sounds like a good starting point to me.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Thats a lot more light than you had most likely. The reefbright alone are pretty powerful. I think you need 12in for the led to cover.