White paint type to be used on canopies?

[Trex420]

Hey all. I have researched this using the search function on RC and didn't find anything all that helpful. One thread suggested using a Marine paint which was very expensive. What luck have you all had here with paint types? I was thinking a flat paint but I wasn't sure if oil or water based would be best to withstand the humidity.
Part two: I am going to hang my 6 bulb Tek T-5 light fixture from the inside of my canopy. Any thoughts? I was wondering about over heating the fixture. I am planning on placing 4 blue LED lighted 12 cm fans inside the canopy for ventilation and moonlight color.

 

[stugray]

Use white epoxy spray paint. It is sold as 'appliance paint'.

Stu

 

[gsxrguru2]

the epoxy paint seems like a good idea to me. however, I just used a glossy acrylic white paint in my canopy. I don't think that it really matters all that much as long as you have good circulation inside. That alone will make the humidity concern nothing to worry about.

 

[artful-dodger]

Does that fixture have an internal or external ballast? If internal, it will get a lot hotter than the lights alone. That may present a problem for enclosing it in a canopy.

 

[Trex420]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7034862#post7034862 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by artful-dodger
Does that fixture have an internal or external ballast? If internal, it will get a lot hotter than the lights alone. That may present a problem for enclosing it in a canopy.

The fixture is a pendant light. The amount of light leaked floods a room if not in a canopy. I was hoping adding fans inside a canopy would help with the heat issue.

http://www.reefgeek.com/products/ca...ing/104193.html

 

[gsxrguru2]

I've got 3 pendants in an enclosed canopy over my 125. On each side of the canopy I have two fans, both blow in and there is no humidity whatsoever. The only time I've ever had a problem was when I forgot to plug the fans back in after working on the canopy. When the fans are running with the lights on, it's just a dry heat inside.

 

[Trex420]

Thanks as always for the help all. You all rock! I think the winner is white epoxy spray paint. I did just remember the one very important item that is needed to finish my tank this weekend. The FANS! Ack! Well I guess it is another week then before I can get nice ones online. Newegg.com here I come. 4 blue LED 120mm fans coming up. Actually with how very quick Newegg.com is in sending things out I sould have them by mid week with no extra fee. I was thinking of going with 12v fans and then going to Radio Shack and getting a powersupply. I don't think the 120v fans are a good idea for this use. Thoughts?

 

[stugray]

As for fans... I just upgraded to two new icecap fans ( variable speed ), and they are the best by far. So I have a pair of fine computer fans ( fixed speed ) with power supply if you want them.

Here's a pic of my hood with the white epoxy. Notice how shiny..

Stu

 

[Trex420]

Very nice setup Stu! Is the hex shaped tank part of the system or just another tank? What type of P/S did you use for the PC fans? I was hoping to get blue LED lit fans as I don't have moonlights and I think it would be the cheapest option as well as functional.

 

[stugray]

Trex420,

The hex 35 was a mangrove Sump/fuge , and it was plumbed to drain into the 75 via gravity. You can see more pics of the plumbing in my Gallery. I have since moved & upgraded to a 125. The PS for the fans was just some old wall wart I had laying around.

Stu

 

[Trex420]

"The PS for the fans was just some old wall wart I had laying around."

Sounds like what I had in mind. Thanks for the offer Stu. I might just wait it out a few days. The tank has been filled and lit only with a 40w strip NO bulb for a few weeks as I've been trying to cheaply put this together. I've driven up North so much lately for fish stuff. If you were in Denver I would take you up on your offer just so I can get the thing up but I can wait. Thanks again.

Tom