Another newbie question

Well basically 2 questions. First I built a wood canopy, Top piece holding the reflectors and mogul sockets is a 2x6, I have 2 250 watt MHs. Is that wood going to be ok, will it get to hot and catch fire? second question the lights are about 12 inches of the water top on my 90 gallon. Does this somehow change the watt per gallon rule> I was trying to get it high off the water for a blow fan set up with out trying to run a chiller. thanks for help for the stupid questions

 

The only stupid Q that you can make, is the one that you dont ask. On my other tank I had build my own canopy but I had PC on it and not MH. I really dont know, but I can tell you that you can put a 2x4 between the hood and the lights so theres a breathing space and that will bring your lights a little closer to the tank. And if your planning on installing the fans, that will keep the lights cooler on both side(top & bottom). I dont think the 12" will make a big difference, my Mh's are 8" off the surface and I also have a 90.

 

Watts per gallon really doesn't take true form unless you plan on purchasing some very delicate stonies in my opinion!
If you can get a nice fan situated in their to reduce the amount of heat generated by your lights, that would be ideal!
Having your lights about 8 inches above the water/surface air interface is fine to reduce the chances of a)heating up your water too quickly
b)reduce salt creep on bulb glass casing!

 

i will take pictures soon to show you what I have brewing. I also want like 130 watts of actinics, if that is enough?

 

Still waiting on those pics!!!!! LOL

 

yeah yeah i know I am still working on the hood, sorry for the hold up, I think this weekend it should be down

 

My lfs informed me that i should have the same amount of wattage actinics as my metal halide. Is there any truth to this, she stated that it make sure the coral goes through total photosynthesis (sp?)

 

alright I have my MH up and running. they are about 10 inches off the water with 4 PC fans blowing on them. surface temps are at 78.7 for about 4 hours now, i think I am safe without a chiller. I cycled my tank in 2 days, i know its crazy sounding. I talked to the Seachem guy at my LFS and told me to take the Seachen stability challenge. I have to right down what i did but I added fish 3 days ago and not a single problem, granted it was a basslet and a maroon clown so they are hardy anyways. seachem recommended to wait about a week to add any coral. crazy. Fish are eating and are not stressed out.