Canopy Design help

[daveverdo]

I am finally getting around to making a canopy for my 90g. I made a quick and dirty one when I set up the tank that has been running for 18 months now. I like the design of the one I have and it nicely holds the 5 T5 lamps that I have. In the future I may want to change to MH lights and don't want to make a new canopy if I change.

Right now I have the T5's about 4inches above the top of the tank and I do have a glass cover between the tank and the lamps. I do not have any fans but the back off the canopy is open. I do not really like the light leaking out the open back so I may change that.

I think I gave enough background so my question is:

How much taller/higher must I make the canopy to be able to add MH? I really do not like the look of really tall canopies so I would like to keep it to a minimum. If I go the MH I would most likely add 2 175s or 2 250s and kepp at least 2 T5 actinics.

Dave

 

[Capt_Cully]

Ultimately you will want the leeway to keep your halides 8-10 inches off of the water I'd think. You can install fans blowing in and out to circulate air, but I'd guess you'd only use 3 or 4 inch fans so height of lighting would be your determining factor as to how tall the canopy would be.

 

[reefscape15]

I'd agree with capt cully. You would most likely want your canopy to be about 1' tall, as the MH lights will come a couple inches down from the top surface of the canopy when using reflectors and being able to mount your sockets. If you are going to use the standard "spider" reflectors 1' would be plenty high, and it would give you enough room to pop some fans in as well. If you are planning on using reflectors like the "Lumenbrite" or "Lumenmax" reflectors, you might have to make it a little taller as the bulb socket is located lower than a standard reflector

 

[nwrogers]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15401254#post15401254 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by reefscape15
I'd agree with capt cully. You would most likely want your canopy to be about 1' tall, as the MH lights will come a couple inches down from the top surface of the canopy when using reflectors and being able to mount your sockets. If you are going to use the standard "spider" reflectors 1' would be plenty high, and it would give you enough room to pop some fans in as well. If you are planning on using reflectors like the "Lumenbrite" or "Lumenmax" reflectors, you might have to make it a little taller as the bulb socket is located lower than a standard reflector

Agreed 1 foot is the magic number. Also for fans checkout the Scythe fans on newegg. They are amazing!