Help with Light fixtures and Canopies

[joshh81]

Does anyone know if there is any advice, a step guide or any information on taking apart a MH light fixture (I have 2 I want to disasseble and mount in my new canopy? 1 is 2x 250 MH with 4 t-5s and the other is a 1x 250 MH with Compacts.)

I know you have to get the glass shields on the reflectors somehow and will i need to get some kind of waterproof end caps for the t-5's and PC's?

I want to do as much research as possible before I do this. I love my tank and I love my house too much to have it all burn down because I didnt do the research ahead of time.

Please.. any input is greatly appreicated.

 

[joshh81]

nothing huh?

 

[addicted2reefin]

well, i tried to dissasemble a nova extreme for the same reason, and i would have had to cut the housing open to get the t5 ballasts. just start taking scews apart and see what u get.

 

[dgill]

Why don't you sell your current fixtues (assuming they are in good shape) and purchase DIY components to mount in your canopy?

 

[HighlandReef]

if you dont have any electrical experience i would try to see if someone that knows a little about wiring to help you out, i would hate to see something happen because you cross a wire.
offhand dont know what you have or have not when it comes to electric

 

[joshh81]

I do have a vast amount of electronics experience (My bachelors was Electronic engineering) and I have done and wired all of the other electronics for the tank.

I guess my real question is the reflectors and the HQI bulbs. I will have to make or buy some kind of clip to hold the uv glass on the reflector.

Does anyone know of a company or and ideas on how to make such a thing? The problem is the glass screws into the frame of the of the fixture on the larger with the 2 bulbs and the smaller fixture has the glass sliding on rails.

Do they make water proof T5 endcaps?

 

[magikfly]

Yes.
Icecap makes them

Do they make water proof T5 endcaps?

 

[dgill]

You can get HQI retrofit reflectors that incorporate a glass shield. Coralife has retrofits commercially avaialble, and Hello Lights offers them as well:

 

[joshh81]

That is EXACTLY what I was looking for. Man, I spent like 2 hours on google trying to find something like that. I feel kind of retarted for not thinking to search HQI retrofit kit but either way you guys save me.

 

[joshh81]

So I have built this new low profile canopy. My question is I am going to install 2 fans for cooling.

I have 1 hole drilled and set for a fan on the side. Would it be more beneficial to have the other fan on the opposite side or in the center of the lid?

 

[synofreak]

If the back of the canopy is open, fans blowing in on each end.

If its closed, you'll need more fans, some blowing in, some out.