Why so high?

Why do people put LED lights so high? My canopy is shorter than most, about 6in tall. But I need my canopy on the tank.

 

Some people actually place their lights improperly on their tanks. But it all depends on the type of lights and the optics and lenses. What really should determine the height of the lights is a PAR mapping of the tank to be sure that you have enough light. While LEDs may look extremely bright you may not be getting the par readings where they should be.

So ultimately it comes down to coverage and PAR. If you have the lights closer to the water you may find that your coverage is not enough because alot of the lights do not have a wide lens on them.

I have 2 AIL sol over my personal tank and they are about 10" AWL and directly under the light I am getting over 400 par on the sandbed.

Not sure that this will actually answer your question.

 

Most put LEDs higher up to increase spread due to the optics that a lot of fixtures incorporate to get deep light penetration.

 

Okay, couldn't I still put an LED light over my 75? It would just be really close to the top of the tank.

 

If too close to water salt will destroy your LEDs quickly

 

Buy one without optics.

 

or put a nice piece of starfire glass as a splash shield......

Could always DIY your own fixture and make it exactly what you need.

 

mine are without optics, and about 6" or 7" above water