MH heat range question?

[NM reef]

I am curious what the maximum temp out put is from a single 400 watt MH bulb? Exactly(or approximately) how hot does it get? Does anybody have any information in this regard?

For instance does the temp generated from a single 400 watt 10K MH lamp exceed 270 degrees F? Lower or higher? Just looking for a general temp range generated by this type bulb. Thanks in advance.

[Geoff]

when i first got mine i tested it just for giggles. at about 1.5" from the bulb in the reflector. with the reflector and bulb facing upwards so as not to trap heat. without fan. the temp got up to 141 F! with a 24" portable fan blowing across it the temp at that same 1.5" was 105 F. this was with iwasaki's. so others may be a little cooler.

G~

[NM reef]

Thanks for the info...thats the type of specific info I was looking for because on a customers system he is wanting to install 400 watt MH's about 3" above the water surface & I'm considering splash guards of MarguardII that has a temp range of 40 F to 270 F...I'm not convinced its the best idea but under the circumstances it may be the only course to prevent splash on the bulbs.

The standard glass tops are removed(25 3/8"x 24' openings) and I'm considering splash guards directly beneath the lamps that measure 25 3/8"x12"-15"/.375" only to prevent splash on the lamps. Unforytunately the canopy can't be raised due to the location of the aquarium(low slope roof in a family/game room)...there will be 4" fans installed one on each end and 2 on the rear to exhaust heat away from the tops....its only a idea...nothing definite yet.

Thanks again for the info.