MH & Acrylic... bad idea?

[PSam]

I've only ever used MH w/ tall wood canopies over open water (minus the splash guard).

Buying acrylic tank soon, looking for input or experience re: MH over acrylic tops and / or in acrylic canopies. I'm not going to shell out the dough for a matching acrylic canopy if it's going to warp or crack... I'll rather build the canopy / stand if that's the case...

Any suggestions appreciated!

 

[BenjieC]

I've never seen an acrylic hood that was tall enough to accomadate a MH. I'd just build a hood and canopy. It looks better than an acrylic hood and canopy IMO.

 

[PSam]

Right, that was my main concern; all the acrylic canopies I see are so low in profile, I'm afraid of warping the top of the tank or the canopy. Certainly T5's and PC's can fit comfortably, but a couple MH bulbs could be trouble (?). And obviously I'd need room for a couple actinic's as well.

Anyone else? Ideas, experience?

 

[Doubledown]

I have a 180 from Clarity Plus with MH lighting built into the hood. I had to custom order the canopy extra tall (it is 11" instead of the standard 4"). I had holes cut in the ends for 4" Icecap fans and installed 6 feet of reflector with one fan blowing in and one out. I had 3 mh bulbs and 2 72" VHO actinics running in it.

What size tank is it for?

 

[PSam]

Thanks, Doubledown.

This would be for minimum of 56 gallons, perhaps 90 or more after I talk to the landlord about the joists upstairs. My idea was for a couple t5 actinics and 2 MH (one over each opening).

You haven't had any issues with the 11" height? Where'd you get the canopy made?

If I can't get the MH in, I'll go all t5, but man I love the MH shimmer.

 

[Doubledown]

I'm about to run out for some errands, I'll pm you with some info later this afternoon/evening.