Tank upgrade lighting question

Cari · 07/01/2008, 02:14 PM

Hey Everyone! I am finally getting to do my "dream" tank!!! I am upgrading from a 72 gal bf to a 90 gal rectangle, with lots of help from Millie and Dan(at CF). I am thrilled to give em the business, so to speak!

Anyway wanted to know your thoughts on placement of my lighting. I have an aquatinics 2-250MH and 2-54 Actinic which is currently on risers on the 72. I will be hanging it in the new cabinetry.

Here's my question: I will have canopies on the 90 gal, with the light being hung do you think I can do away with the protective plexi glass on the lighting unit?? (it gets 'burned in' marks after awhile) I had planned to hang 12 inches above the aquarium. Is that too far? Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

Gary Majchrzak · 07/01/2008, 03:32 PM

are the halides DE or SE (double ended or single ended. Single end is the same as a mogul = what most incandescent light bulbs look like with one screw in end)

Henry Colf · 07/01/2008, 03:56 PM

Make sure you have fans installed in the canopy. The metal halides will heat up your water. I run two four inch fans across mine to keep the heat from heating up the water.

Cari · 07/01/2008, 05:40 PM

Thanks for the input. They are SE. The Canopy will be custom made so thanks for the heads up on the heat. They currently do not heat up the tank, but I can see that becoming an issue when lights are enclosed.

07/01/2008, 02:14 PM	#1
Cari Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Central NY Posts: 65	Tank upgrade lighting question Hey Everyone! I am finally getting to do my "dream" tank!!! I am upgrading from a 72 gal bf to a 90 gal rectangle, with lots of help from Millie and Dan(at CF). I am thrilled to give em the business, so to speak! Anyway wanted to know your thoughts on placement of my lighting. I have an aquatinics 2-250MH and 2-54 Actinic which is currently on risers on the 72. I will be hanging it in the new cabinetry. Here's my question: I will have canopies on the 90 gal, with the light being hung do you think I can do away with the protective plexi glass on the lighting unit?? (it gets 'burned in' marks after awhile) I had planned to hang 12 inches above the aquarium. Is that too far? Let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

07/01/2008, 03:32 PM	#2
Gary Majchrzak Team RC Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 41,560	are the halides DE or SE (double ended or single ended. Single end is the same as a mogul = what most incandescent light bulbs look like with one screw in end) __________________ over 24 years experience with multiple types of marine aquarium systems see Upstate Reef Society Forum on RC and FB GOOGLE JUNIOR'S REEF Current Tank Info: 84x24x30 265g reef past TOTM honors

07/01/2008, 03:56 PM	#3
Henry Colf Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Rochester Posts: 2,926	Make sure you have fans installed in the canopy. The metal halides will heat up your water. I run two four inch fans across mine to keep the heat from heating up the water.

07/01/2008, 05:40 PM	#4
Cari Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Central NY Posts: 65	Thanks for the input. They are SE. The Canopy will be custom made so thanks for the heads up on the heat. They currently do not heat up the tank, but I can see that becoming an issue when lights are enclosed.