T5 fixture in a canopy?

[TankArchitect]

Assuming that proper venting and air movement is provided (thinking open back canopy, maybe a fan or a fan integral to the unit and/or vent holes in the canopy top), is there any reason a T5 fixture (like aquatinics) could NOT be put within a canopy?

Is this a stupid question? Has anyone done this? Or, do you have to use retrofit kits? Reefgeek seems to suggest that you do.

I am only asking because I thought the fixture would be simpler to install, remove and/or service. Thinking of just having it sit on the canopy frame at the bottom with clearance all around it. I have other reasons for installing a canopy (integrating a power center to clean up my wiring mess (no room elsewhere) and aesthetics).

Thanks for any replies.

 

[coyoteseven]

IMHO, I see no reason why you cannot do it as long as you have adequate space and ventilation.

 

[MJAnderson]

The aquatinics fixture (or at least the one they are selling now) says it's fine in the FAQ.

Will an Aquactinics fixture fit inside my wood canopy?

Yes, as long as you have 5 1/2" from the top of your tank to the top of the inside part of the canopy. Also, you will need to add vent holes to either side of your canopy. This is to allow the air flow to pass freely through the fixture.

 

[TankArchitect]

Thanks for replies. Didn't see that on the aquatinics site. I'll look at the FAQ. Thanks again.

 

[Aquactinics]

Just a little added note:

The quote MJAnderson quoted was for our MH/T5 fixtures. The same holds true for our T5 fixtures, only you don't need 5 1/2" of inside height of the canopy as that T5 fixtures ( 36" and 48" lengths ) are only 4 1/4" tall. The MH/T5 fixtures are 5 1/2" tall.

Thank you,

Tom
Aquactinics

 

[TankArchitect]

Tanks Tom. I saw the 4.25" dimension but thought that maybe the 5-1/2" was for some kind of clearance. Thanks for addressing.

So, can the unit be mounted (screwed) directly to the underside of canopy? I could also rest on the supports for the canopy, but mounting it to the underside would allow more room when I lift the canopy to do maintenance in the tank.

 

[Aquactinics]

John,

Yes, the fixture can be flush mounted to the inside top of the canopy. There are thread mounting holes on all of our fixtures. All you would need to do is drill the holes on the top of the canopy and use a thread bolt to screw directly into the fixture.

Thank you,

Tom
Aquactinics

 

[TankArchitect]

Tom,

Thanks again for the (prompt) replies. I can now rest easy with my canopy design and will plan on an Aquatinics t% fixture.

Now all I have to do is decide on whether or not to wait for your new one with moonlights and Icecap ballasts. I still have to make the canopy, so maybe the new fixture will be out by then (I'm OK but not fast with DIY projects.)

Thanks again.

 

[Aquactinics]

John,

No problem. If you have any other questions, please feel free to ask.

Thank you,

Tom
Aquactinics

 

[MJAnderson]

Just curious, if you don't have the fixture yet and plan to do a canopy, why not just get the retro? It would be cheaper.

 

[bllfish]

If you mount the fixture to the canopy, I would put some spacers on the screws you use to mount it to let air flow over the fixture too.