canopy build?

[enemec1]

I am going to start the build on my canopy this weekend it will have an open back and I have one 4in fan.

Where should I place the fan in the hood? Side or back?
Blowing in or out?

 

[fella1320]

i think that fans work much better when they are blowing cold air inward. i used to have a 4 inch ice cap fan sucking the air out of my canopy and it really didnt work too well. i cut another hole in my canopy for a 4 inch computer fan to blow inward and that work much much better i dont even need dthe ice cap anymore plus the fan will last longer since the humid air is not going threw the fan

 

[xtrstangx]

Blow cold air in, hot air will find its way out.

IME, if you have an open back and open top, you don't need a fan. I run 2x175w MH on my 40g reef and I have no problems with heat. Open back and open top helps a BUNCH!

 

[enemec1]

The canopy is finished and now I need paint advice, looking for a way to not use reflectors if possible, can I use just high gloss outdoor paint?

I work at an autobody shop should I try to paint the inside with a bright white and use a clear coat?

 

[comatose]

just a painted surface you will lose about 40% of your light intensity compared to a reflector

 

[kgross]

If you don't want to use reflectors don't. They are not necessary, but they do give you a lot of free light. Good specular reflectors will reflect I believe over 90 % of the light, a painted surface is around 40%, so if you have enough light to not need the extra you are fine, if not put some good reflectors in so you can get all of the free light.

Kim