diff --git a/init.lua b/init.lua
index 5c1819a..4239cdd 100644
--- a/init.lua
+++ b/init.lua
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 skytardis = {}
+skytardis.base_altitude = minetest.setting_get("skytardis.base_altitude") or 100 -- should default to 31000 out of tests
 
 local path = minetest.get_modpath("skytardis")
 --dofile(path.."/abm.lua")
diff --git a/skybuilding.lua b/skybuilding.lua
index a4ed996..dc89911 100644
--- a/skybuilding.lua
+++ b/skybuilding.lua
@@ -24,11 +24,10 @@ end
 
 function skytardis:getSkyBoundsFor(landx,landz)
 	local bounds = skytardis:derive_blockbounds(landx,landz)
-	local base_altitude = 100 -- in prod, should be 31000
 	local increment = skytardis:derive_altitude(landx,landz)
 
-	bounds.pos1.y = base_altitude + increment
-	bounds.pos2.y = base_altitude + increment
+	bounds.pos1.y = skytardis.base_altitude + increment
+	bounds.pos2.y = skytardis.base_altitude + increment
 
 	return bounds
 end