Light Height vs. Dimming

[Stakins]

I was just wondering if it was better to hang a light higher or to dim it? I wish I understood par better but I was curious if 100% setting or hanging the light higher from the tank would be better for corals? No light in particular, just over all.

[bdevillier19]

I think both would accomplish the same thing but dimming is what I prefer because the higher up you go with you light the more light spill you have. Not to mention with dimming you can adjust the color to your liking as well, as long as there is more than 1 channel.

 

I think both would accomplish the same thing but dimming is what I prefer because the higher up you go with you light the more light spill you have. Not to mention with dimming you can adjust the color to your liking as well, as long as there is more than 1 channel.

[GlassHouse]

IMO: You'll want to hang the light high enough that it evenly illuminates the entire tank but not so high that light spills over the sides (assuming your tank is open top). From there, use the light controls to adjust the light levels for your corals.

[fishnlou]

I try to keep the lights as low as possible. Raise them up till all of the leds blend nicely with no disco shadowing and the tank is lit evenly. Dim as needed from there. I figure this way also helps to save on electricity.

[pismo_reefer]

IMO: You'll want to hang the light high enough that it evenly illuminates the entire tank but not so high that light spills over the sides (assuming your tank is open top). From there, use the light controls to adjust the light levels for your corals.

Unless you're using a spotlight type light.

Thin light spread would have to be mighty high up, for full tank coverage.

 

*see: my sig pic*

[MadReefer13]

Not to jack the poat I have three 12 watt par 38s over my ten gallon what's around the height they should be at there half white half blue 15k so 36watt total

[evilc66]

As high as they need to be to get the intensity required by your corals. There is no magic number. Observe the tank, see how the corals react to the light they are give, and adjust accordingly.