I'm wanting to hang a light fixture over my tank, but am concerned that when I sit and watch, the light will be too bright. Even with T-5s, not to mention Metal Halides. But if I build a hood around it, I fear the it will get too hot! Have folks found good solutions to this? Thanks!
larful
Posts : 7 Join date : 2010-03-12
Subject: Re: Tank Hoods Thu Apr 07, 2011 4:23 pm
I went with a hood but left most of the back open and added a fan. I'm running two 250 mh over a 55gal tank, my temp is fine.
GDSawyer
Posts : 4 Join date : 2011-04-03
Subject: More, please! Fri Apr 08, 2011 7:38 pm
That's exactly the kind of info I need, thanks! Did you suspend the fixture or is it on a rack held above the tank? How far above the tank is it? Did you plan for room around the fixture for ventilation on the ends or sides? Is your fan in the unit itself or does it blow air between the lamps and the aquarium? Is your fixture in a built-in hood or free-standing above the tank?
Thanks so much!
GDSawyer
Posts : 4 Join date : 2011-04-03
Subject: Re: Tank Hoods Fri Apr 08, 2011 7:45 pm
Oh man. Tried to edit my last posting, but erased the wrong one. Obviously you have a hood, so I modified my questions. How far above the tank are you suspended? How long do your run your metal halides? With just the back open, do you effectively keep light out of your eyes? Is your fan in the hood or in the fixture?
Thanks again, and sorry for the dopey first posting!
larful
Posts : 7 Join date : 2010-03-12
Subject: Re: Tank Hoods Sun Apr 10, 2011 5:10 pm
My MHs are 8 inches above the water, they run 8 hours a day. My fan is a WalMart clip on pluged into the same timer as my MHs. I get a little light on the wall behind the tank, not to bad and really only seen from the side.
GDSawyer
Posts : 4 Join date : 2011-04-03
Subject: Re: Tank Hoods Sat Apr 16, 2011 7:45 pm
Thank you! I had the impression that they had to be higher than that.