how much room for lighting?

[PrettyBoy]

I am framing out the place where the tank will be today. I am doin an in wall setup. It is a 180 gal tank that I will be doing a mixed reef in. How much space should I leave from the ceiling for lighting? thanks

[motorslave]

I'm also doing an in wall and left all the space above the tank. Reason being, as much access as possible and better air circulation for less heat retention. This is the second in wall build and the previous was the same, all the y to the cieling. It leaves you open for any type of hanging/mounting also.

[PrettyBoy]

I have a drop ceiling in there and the way my carpenter friend is telling me to go is 3' from ground to bottom of tank. the tank is 2' tall and it leaves with me 19" of room for lighting. personally I think it should be a little higher, but I want to make sure I have enough room for the lighting and circulation... i think most people do the bottom of the tank at 4' but that only leaves me with 7" of room for lighting which deffinately is not enough. plus this will be in the tv/movie section of the room so the center of the tank will be at 4' which would bring it right at eye level when sitting

[crvz]

3' is a bit short, but you'll want that space above the tank. 4' is too high, I think. Probably around 40" is good if the tank is in a walkway, but 36" would be good if it's in a sitting area.

[motorslave]

Ahhh I see. What lighting are you using? This will dictate to some extent, but use all you can. I agree with 40". If you end up with just 12 inches you will be allright, but take all you can get.

[Loverotties]

What type of lighting?

[PrettyBoy]

im really not sure of lighting. Im totally new to salt water, but I had a convo with geoff on here about my plans but I do know I will be basing the tank around clowns and tangs with crocea clams, blue maximas, things like that.

[benzzz]

Originally Posted by Loverotties

What type of lighting?

Good question to start with

lol