Mh minimum clearances?

I recently aquired an really nice combo light. It's got two MH lamp and 4 65w PC's along with led moon lites. This unit has fans on the top also. My problem is that I've got an oak canopy on my DT and I really want to keep it. The light has stand off legs which raise it about 4". I can't fit the light with the canopy and the legs. I do run glass covers so the light won't be exposed to any water. So can I place this unit directly ontop of my tank or do I need the stand off legs. Currently it's a fish only tank but I just bought about 150 lbs of premuim Lr and I'd like to top that off with some multi rock with assorted polps and stuff. This isn't going to be a reef but more like a balanced eco system. I'm limited by form over function here since this is in my living room and will have to listen to you know who if I ditch the canopy for the light fixture. I'm currently using 4 65w 50/50 PC's
Would this be enough for good lr growth and some assorted lower light corals? I'm running a standard 90g.


Matt

 

excluding the legs, will the fixture fit in your current hood?

If yes, when in your hood, does your hood block any fans or air vents on the fixture?

 

Take off the legs, and affix the fixture to the top of the canopy. You may need to run a hole saw to allow the fans to work properly.

 

Yes if I remove the legs the fixture will fit. It will not block the fans there's about 3" of cleanance above the fans and the wood is spaced about 3" apart so there's good air flow. I'm concerned about heating the water too much also. Is this a common issue?

Matt

 

I can't since the top of the canopy opens to allow access.
I was thinking worse case is I could make a bigger canopy. But matching the stain on the stand will be tough.

Matt

 

Heat shouldn't be a problem unless they are 400Watt Halides. Your fans will move that heat out.

Find a way to mount the fixture inside your current hood. Suspended within it is best. Try not to have it sitting directly on the tank.

Can you post a pic of your hoods interior structure and the new fixture?

 

You could attach it to the lid and have something to hold the lid open once raised.

 

This is out too since only half of the lid opens and the width of the light is almost the same as the tank. I'm sure I could find a way to suspend it from the canopy but I take the canopy off weekly.So I'd have to remove the fixture as well. The light had four cords so it's kind of a pita the remove weekly.

Matt

 

I have to disagree with this,any m/h inside a canopy is going to add heat.If I understand correctly it sounds like yours has a closed top that lifts up.If this is true you will definitely have to make mods to or design a different canopy.The m/h lights will allow you to keep many different corals but they do create a heat problem.Removing the canopy lid and possibly adding some small fans might be an option.If you alredy have the lights you could try them with and without the canopy just to see what your dealing with as far as heat goes.