Timing Belt Help Needed ASAP

[Onefast99gsx]

I just got car running tonight after changing my valve springs over. I used the actual Miller MDxxxxxx tool to compress the tensioner so I could remove the timing belt. Well I started the car up and let it run for 15 minutes at idle. After shutting it off, I checked the tension of the timing belt for the heck of it. I don't remember how it was before cuz it's been apart for a few weeks. It seems too loose. I don't understand why though. I didn't change any setting on the tensioner. I just compressed it. I took a ruler and pressed down on the belt between the 2 timing gears, made a mark on the ruler. Then I pulled upward and noted the mark. It's a good 1/2" of play. Does that seem too much to you guys. I don't remember if it's supposed to be banjo tight or what. Dammit, was hoping to go driving tonight for the first time since last Nov.

Thanks for any help.