Using a canopy w/ MH lights?

NoIdeaWhatToDo · 01/26/2006, 06:40 PM

I'm getting a 175 watt MH. I was originally thinking of using a glass top, but after much reading this seems to be a bad idea b/c of heat. So I think my options are egg crate or no canopy. Seems like there are pros/cons to both. Any experienced reefers out there that can give some suggestions? I don't have fish yet, but I am afraid of fish jumping out in the future. This is the only thing making me lean towards egg crate. Thanks in advance.

bearpeidog · 01/26/2006, 07:23 PM

I'm prob in the minority but I do run 2-250 MH in my canopy. I also have glass tops on and my bulbs are 5-6 inches off the glass.

I don't have heating problems but I vented my canopy with two icecap fans (one on each end blowing out). The top of the canopy is closed and air is drawn into the back and sent out the sides. So far the setup works fine - although I haven't been through a summer with it yet.

zenzence · 01/26/2006, 08:19 PM

Ya I use 2 175 watt bulbs and a glass top and 2 fans in a wooden canopy about 6 inches from the water. No problems at all I even bought a chiller that never turns on. No problems here just make sure those fans are up and running and you will be fine.

supertech3 · 01/26/2006, 08:41 PM

I have an open top tank with 3-175mh's and the only fish that have jumped out were wrasses. so read the description of the fish that you intend on buying if you leave an open top to avoid fish loss

Fast Fred · 01/26/2006, 08:55 PM

I agree with supertech3. Very few reef-safe fish are carpet surfers. Read up on 'em before you buy 'em.

01/26/2006, 06:40 PM	#1
NoIdeaWhatToDo Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 68	Using a canopy w/ MH lights? I'm getting a 175 watt MH. I was originally thinking of using a glass top, but after much reading this seems to be a bad idea b/c of heat. So I think my options are egg crate or no canopy. Seems like there are pros/cons to both. Any experienced reefers out there that can give some suggestions? I don't have fish yet, but I am afraid of fish jumping out in the future. This is the only thing making me lean towards egg crate. Thanks in advance.

01/26/2006, 08:19 PM	#3
zenzence Premium Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Virginia Posts: 373	Ya I use 2 175 watt bulbs and a glass top and 2 fans in a wooden canopy about 6 inches from the water. No problems at all I even bought a chiller that never turns on. No problems here just make sure those fans are up and running and you will be fine. __________________ zen x 2 Current Tank Info: 75 Innovative Marine /mixed Reef

01/26/2006, 08:55 PM	#5
Fast Fred Registered Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: Northfield, NJ 08225 Posts: 1,170	I agree with supertech3. Very few reef-safe fish are carpet surfers. Read up on 'em before you buy 'em. __________________ Ya know, for a clown fish, you're not very funny! Member of the New Jersey Reefers Club Current Tank Info: 125g Reef Ready AGA /55g Top Fin Tank for a sump/refugium/ LifeReef Skimmer/ Changing over to SPS only

01/26/2006, 07:23 PM	#2
bearpeidog Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Milton, Vermont Posts: 560	I'm prob in the minority but I do run 2-250 MH in my canopy. I also have glass tops on and my bulbs are 5-6 inches off the glass. I don't have heating problems but I vented my canopy with two icecap fans (one on each end blowing out). The top of the canopy is closed and air is drawn into the back and sent out the sides. So far the setup works fine - although I haven't been through a summer with it yet.

01/26/2006, 08:41 PM	#4
supertech3 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: El Paso Posts: 1,206	I have an open top tank with 3-175mh's and the only fish that have jumped out were wrasses. so read the description of the fish that you intend on buying if you leave an open top to avoid fish loss