Need some tips on building a canopy

[JPSKI25]

Hopefully it fits okay. I forgot to say use some bullseye primer or some waterseal paint for basement walls on the inside. If that idea doesn't work for the stand we can always build a new one.

 

[NemusMaximus]

Thanks again for helping me get this built! I just test fitted it, and its a perfect fit... a little snug, but some light sanding should help that. Haha it looks a little funny being that the hood is taller than the tank, but given the metal halides, I think its necessary. I cant wait to mount the light and give it a test run. Thanks again bro!

 

[JPSKI25]

Anytime A little wood putty and some sanding it should look like 1 solid piece when its painted. Once you get it all done post some pics.

 

[hoosierpat]

You have the quartz shield on it right? You will have a big problem with UV poisoning if there isn't one. That's why you don't see as many DE retrofit kits because you have to put that plate of quartz under the bulb since there is no outer envelope like a SE bulb.

 

[NemusMaximus]

I plan on just getting a sheet of UV glass cut at the local glass shop and having that rest on the tank... should work no?

 

[JPSKI25]

should be perfect but I'd still paint the inside just incase with evaporation and all. I'd just use bullseye then. Plus it will brighten up the lights a little.

 

[hoosierpat]

I'd call the light manufacturers about that one. All glass filters some UV but there are many wavelengths of UV. The glass on the fixtures, I believe, are quartz and not just standard glass. You really ought to have the bulb completely sealed because the UV is bad for you as well as the tank inhabitants. It does some nasty stuff to corals and fish if left unfiltered. If you don't have the fixture yet, I would look into SE bulbs since you don't need to worry about UV. Or, Drs Foster and Smith sells retrofits for HQIs that come with the reflector and a little shield for it. That would be cheaper than just tearing apart a fixture anyway. I'm unclear as to whether you have the light yet or not but be very aware of the danger.