Wood canopy vs. open top

birch · 10/22/2008, 07:36 PM

I am setting up a 75 gallon tank with HOT5. What are everyone's opinion's on using a light fixture, such as the tek light, or fitting a retrofit kit inside a wood canopy? The room that the tank will be in is in the basement and stays very cool (65-75 degrees). Would I have overheating issues with the retro kit in the wood canopy and no fans? YOur opinions and pics are welcome. Thanks.

Roy G. Biv · 10/22/2008, 07:44 PM

I have a light fixture under my canopy. The canopy keeps my fish in the water

HornetMech242 · 10/22/2008, 08:16 PM

I built a canopy with the top and back open with two fans and do not have any heat issues with 2x250 watt halides. with the controller tank stays 77-79 degrees day and night.

Chris

CBART · 10/22/2008, 08:16 PM

I would go with a canopy with a egg crate top. That way no carpet surfing and all heat can still escape. I know heat is not a prob now but maybe it might be down the road if you move your tank or sell it. Good luck.

birch · 10/23/2008, 08:42 AM

Thanks for the advice. Anyone else have an opinion?

m3fan8ic · 10/23/2008, 08:45 AM

with HO-t5's you shouldn't be worried too much about heat especially since its in basement. I am running 6 t-5HO 2nd floor and have no issues.

will16 · 10/23/2008, 08:46 AM

I have a canopy with t5 retro kit. I run 4 fans. You may be fine with the tank temp if the room stays that cool but I think it is recommended that you also cool your t5's. You may want to throw a fan or two in there anyway.

You can click on my red house to see pics of my set up in my build thread.

Good luck

lkirkt · 10/23/2008, 09:08 AM

Having no fan to start with is ok. Just have your set up upgradeable so that you have the space/area to add fan if needed. In this hobby we are always in a state of change and upgrading.

bkvreef · 10/23/2008, 10:08 AM

[QUOTE]Originally posted by will16
[B]I have a canopy with t5 retro kit. I run 4 fans. You may be fine with the tank temp if the room stays that cool but I think it is recommended that you also cool your t5's. You may want to throw a fan or two in there anyway.

Ditto.
I have 6 x 80 watt retro under my canopy with a very small clip on fan and have never had to worry.
I love t-5's because of light output without the heat output.

10/22/2008, 07:36 PM	#1
birch Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 124	Wood canopy vs. open top I am setting up a 75 gallon tank with HOT5. What are everyone's opinion's on using a light fixture, such as the tek light, or fitting a retrofit kit inside a wood canopy? The room that the tank will be in is in the basement and stays very cool (65-75 degrees). Would I have overheating issues with the retro kit in the wood canopy and no fans? YOur opinions and pics are welcome. Thanks.

10/22/2008, 08:16 PM	#3
HornetMech242 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Amarillo, TX Posts: 786	I built a canopy with the top and back open with two fans and do not have any heat issues with 2x250 watt halides. with the controller tank stays 77-79 degrees day and night. Chris __________________ I didin't know, it's my first day... Current Tank Info: 120g AGA, 150 #'s fiji rock, DIY stand & canopy, 2 250 watt MH's 14000k on Ice Cap ballast's in Lumenbright reflectors, Mag 9.5 return pump, Dart pump with Oceans Motions closed loop, octopus DNW200 skimmer, GEO 618 Calcium reactor

10/22/2008, 07:44 PM	#2
Roy G. Biv Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: New Jersey Posts: 3,646	I have a light fixture under my canopy. The canopy keeps my fish in the water

10/22/2008, 08:16 PM	#4
CBART Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Guelph, Ontario. Canada Posts: 31	I would go with a canopy with a egg crate top. That way no carpet surfing and all heat can still escape. I know heat is not a prob now but maybe it might be down the road if you move your tank or sell it. Good luck.

10/23/2008, 08:42 AM	#5
birch Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Utah Posts: 124	Thanks for the advice. Anyone else have an opinion?

10/23/2008, 08:45 AM	#6
m3fan8ic Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: N.VA Posts: 52	with HO-t5's you shouldn't be worried too much about heat especially since its in basement. I am running 6 t-5HO 2nd floor and have no issues.

10/23/2008, 08:46 AM	#7
will16 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Northern NJ Posts: 1,812	I have a canopy with t5 retro kit. I run 4 fans. You may be fine with the tank temp if the room stays that cool but I think it is recommended that you also cool your t5's. You may want to throw a fan or two in there anyway. You can click on my red house to see pics of my set up in my build thread. Good luck

10/23/2008, 09:08 AM	#8
lkirkt Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Salt Lake City, Utah Posts: 57	Having no fan to start with is ok. Just have your set up upgradeable so that you have the space/area to add fan if needed. In this hobby we are always in a state of change and upgrading.

10/23/2008, 10:08 AM	#9
bkvreef Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Dayton, Ohio Posts: 439	[QUOTE]Originally posted by will16 [B]I have a canopy with t5 retro kit. I run 4 fans. You may be fine with the tank temp if the room stays that cool but I think it is recommended that you also cool your t5's. You may want to throw a fan or two in there anyway. Ditto. I have 6 x 80 watt retro under my canopy with a very small clip on fan and have never had to worry. I love t-5's because of light output without the heat output.