HELP: Retro HQI Metal Halide Install

[codejunky]

I want to install a HQI Metal Halide Retro kist in my existing canopy and I am not sure what would be the best way to do it. I am looking at the following kist from Hellolights.

http://www.hellolights.com/25hlmhrekith.html

How have other people installed these? From my understanding, they need to be shielded with a piece of glass and I assume you would need some sort of housing around the reflector, but I am not sure what would be the best way to construct it to allow proper protection for the bulb, adequate airflow to release the heat, and proper spacing from the wood. I am new to metal halide lighting and from what I have read, the HQI is a better bulb thatn the mogul style. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[rustybucket145]

I think the kit you linked to comes with the UV glass already on it. So that shouldn't be an issue. I would defiantely be hesitant putting that fixture close to any wood. It will get HOT!! I have some of mine hung from the ceiling using lightweight (300lb) aircraft cable and crimps. I guess you could hang them from your hood using the same concept.

I've seen some use aluminum stock and rivets to custom design a mounting bracket that slides in/out over the top of the tank.

 

[codejunky]

I just called Hello Lights. Adam was FANTASTIC.

You are correct it does come with the glass. I couldn't tell from the photo. I ordered 2 kits with pheonix 14k bulbs.

I am planning on doing some sort of hanging setup from the canopy. proably a simple hook into the canopy and then a ring on the light itself. this will make it much easier to remove when I need to replace the bulbs. I have heard that the HQI bulbs can last up to 18 months. Does that sound correct?

Does anyone else have any advice for a MH newbie??

Thanks,
Chad

 

[epon]

I mounted my reflectors to a painted board that I'm able to remove. I used aluminum barrels and screws that I found at Lowe's. It's basicly a threaded aluminum tube with aluminum screws on both ends. I think I used 4 per light, this allows me a 2" or so gap between the wood and the reflector.

 

[codejunky]

Basically the same kind of thing you would find in a lamp?? You know the thing the socket screws on.

 

[epon]

I guess, I dont know if they are aluminum or not. These also have aluminum screws that go into the barell at both ends.

 

[Ebn]

Just saw the same enclosure this past weekend at a friend's place. He ordered a set just to check it out.

The kit does come with glass and the enclosure actually has some slits on the side of it for heat dispersal. As for mounting, you could screw them onto the top of the canopy, but make sure that there's a gap between (e.g. washers, spacers, etc.).