David,
To minimize the issue of back scatter from light systems, it is best to place the light(s) pointed at the area to be viewed and at a 45 degree angle in relation to the viewer (or camera). This will cut down on the light reflected back into the viewer’s or camera’s eye when there is suspended matter in the water.
The more light you have the better your viewing experience will be. Car light bulbs (PAR), dichromatic spots or projection lights put out a lot of light but have a large power drain, high intensity discharge (HID) put out a LOT of light for a much smaller power drain but are expensive and easily damaged, and the latest innovation just entering the market are ganged high intensity LED lights with a long life (and not a catastrophic failure as all the LEDs do not fail at the same time), even lower power consumption and the promise of eventually being very economical.
R/Jay
Its almost like considering fog lights on a car...too bright and you actually end up seeing worse in a thick fog!
I would be very interested in anyone's experienced response on this one.
David Bartsch