Canopy and Lighting Question

[ReefArtist]

I'm working on a new design for a 65g tank and was wondering if the position of the metal Halide within the canopy makes a difference. Here's what I was thinking:

My overflow is behind the MH and figured I'd get more out of the light if I put it side ways (#1). With all the talk about reflectors I'm not sure if this would be a good thing to do. What do you all think?

 

[mflamb]

If you have room, I like #1. If you angle it slightly toward the back for more coverage, you may make better use of your PAR.

 

[Ah64av8tor]

Here is the T5/HQI fixture I'm building, it is 20" at the widest and could easly be 17" or 18" . My 65 is 18" wide depending on how wide your halide pendant is, (mine are 8.5") you could do it.

 

[mflamb]

Nice work Greg!!!

 

[Ah64av8tor]

Thanks .....I'm still undecided on the fans and wiring setup.

 

[ReefArtist]

Greg, that is really a great design. Is the frame made out of aluminum? I really like your use of space with the staggered T5's, very nice. I wish I knew how to work with aluminum more, I think we can do a lot more than we do.

mflamb - thanks again for the information, I like number 1 also.

 

[mflamb]

Aluminum is easy to work with. It's easy to cut and drill and bolt together. Get a big piece of cardboard and put it on your table. Draw out the inside measurements of your hood. Lay out your lights. Lift them up with books if you want different levels like the pics above. Then start cutting aluminum to frame it all together.

 

[Ah64av8tor]

The aluminum came from HD and you can cut it easily with a hack saw. I had the pop riveter and a drill thats all you need....oh and plenty of ideas.

There are more pics on the build thread click on the red house.

 

[ReefArtist]

Oh I have ideas and I think you just gave my more! Might be looking at building my canopy out of aluminum. Nice build Greg - it's looking really good.

 

[Ah64av8tor]

Yes, but it's a long row to hoe.

 

[ReefArtist]

It looks like it - LOL. I just read your complete build, think you've had your hands full for quite sometime now, at least you have your lights. Mine didn't work after they arrived so I had to send them back. Once I get credit I still have to reorder them, I'm thinking another two weeks before I get them in.

 

[Ah64av8tor]

I got mine from Aquarium Specialty

I have had great service from them.

 

[cmjreef]

Am I missing something? I'm sorry if this sounds rude, but why is the HQI off-center. How about 2 T5s, then the Halide in the center, then one more 36" T5 up front to enhance your favorite color whether it be more blue or more white?

 

[cmjreef]

Sorry, is there not enough room?

 

[wardworld]

I second Aquarium Specialty...Scott goes all out to satisfy his customers.

 

[ReefArtist]

No there isn't enough room for 3 T5's and MH - drawing #1. I only have 18 inches (Max) and the MH takes up 11 inches going one way or 9 inches going the other. Each one of the T5's takes up 2.5 min. I like knowing all my options before I decided, so I try to look at all options. In a 65G tank and most other tanks these days, you have a center bar for tank reinforcement. It would be nice to put it in the center but in my decision making I ruled that out. I didn't want to heat up or light up the center bar.

 

[ReefArtist]

Hey thanks Greg and Daryl for the link to Aquarium Specialty, they have some really nice items. I'm reading about the OM4 now

 

[Ah64av8tor]

The OM 4way is on the top of my wish list.

 

[ReefArtist]

I'm with you there, Mike has a SWEET setup. I have a flow problem in my 75G and I'm tired of trying all the cheap stuff. I have three powerheads in the tank now, I'm getting a Dart and just do a simple plumbing fix. Later - maybe 6 months to a year then get the OM4. Way to many toys

 

[mflamb]

I had to have a OM4way. When I was explaining it to Diane, she said, "Hey if you think they're that good, get a few of them." Then I showed her the price. She choked. So I just got two of them. hahaha!!!