Lights

[Bull_Auger]

Hello reefers (not the 420 kind either)

I would like to say that i have been a long time reader and my first post, the reason for this is that i need help on my lights.

I just recieve my lights, and they are the coral life Aquarium Metal Halide Lighting 72" 250

My delima is that I have acquired a newly built stand, and i need some help from experienced reefers. The situation is that my lights fit within my canopy as a extreme tight fit. Without doing serious damage or hackjob to the canopy i was wondering what modifications can i do to get a better fit.

As you see from the pictures, I'm in a tight spot.
















Any input would be great

cheers

Bull_Auger

[Scavenger]

Hi Bill and welcome. Glad you posted. Unfortunately I think you won't like my answer on your question, but here it is.

If I was in your position, I would remove the canopy and either hang your light fixture from ceiling or get some "leg" attachments for it. The reason is; from what I see in your photos, you may (unless you have a great chiller) have heat issues. esp in summer. Those fans I see in the photo, won't do anything with that lid closed. Also, I personally hate a fully sealed lid for I'm a big fan of surface agitation and gas exchange. More airflow in an open top in my opinion. I've never had a carpet surfing fish yet, even the "jumpy" ones, if that is one of your concerns.

This is just my 2 cents, I'm sure others will have ideas for you as well.

[Bull_Auger]

Bill....Who's Bill

Actually what i was thinking to do was a cut 5 holes on top and 2 on each side to get some ventilation and some how have the whole light structure strapped to the hood so i can get my hands dirty when needed. As it stands now there is no way to feed or move any potential rock structures.

What about height, is there a recomended height where lights should be away from the water for maximum potential of growth.

cheers

Bull_Auger

[midgetwaiter]

If you run those lights with the lid closed you will destroy them. You could try cutting some holes above the fans but I'd still think it's risky.

[Jason McK]

I agree I would ditch the lid for sure but Ideally I would remove the entire canopy and just hang the lights


J

[Scavenger]

Sorry for the Type O Bull, damn spell check didn't catch that one.!!!? Wonder why LOL!

I don't think holes in the lid will cut it. You just don't have "ROOM" to move air around in that lid.

[Der_Iron_Chef]

How about removing the back panel (or most of it) of the canopy and putting some mini fans back there? I've seen a few people do it that way, and it seems to have worked for them.