canopy?

[pewter_jean]

I'm thinking about if I should build a canopy for my 180. The plus side is then I could put as many lights and whatever type in that I want. Where as the light that came the the tank when I bought it. I would be limited to what ever those are, I think 3x175MH with 2 actinic. If those light are only 55K or 65 whatever, then am I limited to those? I don't know? The only lights I ever had were those coral life pc. Now if I do a canopy would I need to use a ballast? I guess what I need to know is, What all would I need if I went that route. I hope to make the 180 a mixed reef. So I need the lighting to handle that. Any info would be great. Along with any instructions. diagram, blueprints etc. I looked in the DIY section but I couldn't find any thing for a 180. Just nano and a 30.

 

[DrBDC]

Some +'s and -'s of a canopy. There are more but these are some basics.

A canopy requires building but they are not hard to do. You can save a load of money buying the ballasts etc. vs. a finished fixture with them built in. You can change them as well if you choose or change your want's/need's. A all in one fixture has a very clean sleek look. Easier access with a fixture and less of a cooling issue. Cooling can be taken care of with fans mounted in the canopy as you build it. Evaporation is increased when you have an open top with a fixture hanging over it but that is actually a good thing but as before the fan's can take care of that.

Really it boils down to what do you picture in your mind when you think of what you want to look over at your dream and see sitting there.

 

[Shooter7]

I built my own, albeit those who have seen it can attest that I am NOT a threat to any cabinet builders around. I would suggest that you plan on running three 250w metal halide lights on that tank, which would necessitate the need for a taller canopy. I built mine tall with an open top. My MH lights are retro type setups that are mounted onto a board that is suspended from the ceiling using decorative white chains. The open top helps very much in keeping things cool. The combination of my open canopy and sump on the concrete basement floor helps keep my temp from going up. I have not had the need to run any fans so far and I hope that continues through the summer, as my basement typically stays pretty cool.

 

[DrBDC]

Oh, and if you diy your canopy go with the lumenarc reflectors. They are supposed to be the ultimate efficiency of light per watt making it to the tank.

 

[pewter_jean]

Thank , I was thinking the open canopy, I just wasn't sure if it is done, I also was thinking 250's probly 10 or 14 k. tank being 24 deep, I don't think I need 20k. Could I do 3-250's with 4 actinic. maybe 2 of one watt and 2 of a slightly less watt. Then moon lights. Somehow put it all on timers to more simulate natural times of the day. Or don't I need the 4 actinic? Since the MH's pull so much juice, I was hoping the get away with maybe only 7-8 hours of those a day. Or can a person do 2-175 for 8hours and have the 250 on for maybe only 4-5hours, More like high noon?

 

[Shooter7]

I run my MH 250w 12k's from 1 pm to 9 pm and things seem to be doing ok for now. I don't have any other lighting at this time.

 

[TWINPEAKS]

your more than welcome to come look at the light setup I have on my 180 as i live in ST.JACOB just a few minutes away.

 

[Shooter7]

I might take you up on that, Dennis.

 

[pewter_jean]

That would be great, I would appreciate a chance to get some ideals from other 180 owners.

 

[Shooter7]

Guess that leaves me out...good luck!