Best LEDs for under a canopy?

Valentini89 · 03/01/2018, 09:18 PM

I've heard conflicting stories, some say the Mars aqua, others vote kessils, reefbreeders or others. I know I have asked this before but not under a canopy... So what would work best in a canopy that may not be vented? 48*24*30tall. Also, would I need fans or a chiller?

thegrun · 03/01/2018, 09:42 PM

I can't think of any quality lights that would not need to be vented. Why not cut holes just for the light vents. You are going to need to get some air movement across the water for cooling or get a chiller.

RobZilla04 · 03/02/2018, 05:25 AM

Simple fix really. Drill some 1"-2" holes in the top. That's what I did when I built mine. Best part is you'll never see them when the canopy doors are closed.

Mounting lights inside is easy. Use the hanging kit supplied/available with almost all of the light kits you've mentioned.

You can see the holes in the top of this pic...

D-Nak · 03/02/2018, 01:44 PM

We'll need to see photos of your canopy. If it's completely closed, you'll have issues with any lights you choose. Many LEDs have their own exhaust/circulation fans to keep the heatsinks cool, but if you're constantly recycling warm, humid air, it'll have a hard time cooling off and will wear quicker under less these than optimal conditions.

D-Nak · 03/02/2018, 01:56 PM

Also, each LED has it's own way of circulating air through itself. For example, Kessil A360s have fans that pull air through the top side and pushes it out the top. the best way to vent these is to have a hole directly over them (or have the tops stick out of the canopy).

In contrast, Radions pull air through the fans and out the sides.

ctroms · 03/02/2018, 07:12 PM

Try checking out Reefbrite Strips. I own 6 different units & like mine very much. I run the XHO's but do own a couple tech's. Oldest unit is about 4 yrs. old. I have owned other lighting types (MH/CF, CF, T5, these are the only LED's I have owned) but the ReefBrite XHO's have been my favourite.

Pro's:
No fans, very small profile, dimmers are available, made in all the common sizes, customer service is awesome (had one unit fail, replaced with new one in less than a week), come in different wattages( XHO's, Tech's, &?) for different application.

Con's
3 different spectrum’s Blue, 50/50, and White, not highly customizable (timer for photoperiod & dimmer for intensity). Kinda short list but honestly don't have much bad to say.

Hope this helped.

aznflyfisherman · 03/02/2018, 07:35 PM

I have use AI hydra52 in my hood (48x18x30) 110g and have no heat issues and unvented, but my hood is 14 to 15inches tall. I am now using the 48inch 320watt maxspect razor. Since my hood is pretty tall, vented wasn’t needed and it is in my finish basement. Also I have an ai hydra52 inside the hood of a 29g biocube and I haven’t had any heat issues. I don’t use any chiller.

Valentini89 · 03/02/2018, 07:44 PM

Thank you all.

Fredfish · 03/02/2018, 07:51 PM

Since LEDs direct all their light downward, why would you even need a closed top?

03/01/2018, 09:18 PM	#1
Valentini89 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Bay county, Fl Posts: 624	Best LEDs for under a canopy? I've heard conflicting stories, some say the Mars aqua, others vote kessils, reefbreeders or others. I know I have asked this before but not under a canopy... So what would work best in a canopy that may not be vented? 482430tall. Also, would I need fans or a chiller? __________________ I have 1 1/2 years experience in this hobby. Take my advice with that in mind. Current Tank Info: 26g bowfront QT tank, -- 150g tall = http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2671045

03/02/2018, 05:25 AM	#3
RobZilla04 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: St. Augustine, FL Posts: 1,857	Simple fix really. Drill some 1"-2" holes in the top. That's what I did when I built mine. Best part is you'll never see them when the canopy doors are closed. Mounting lights inside is easy. Use the hanging kit supplied/available with almost all of the light kits you've mentioned. You can see the holes in the top of this pic... __________________ 90g Mixed Reef

03/02/2018, 01:44 PM	#4
D-Nak Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 5,797	We'll need to see photos of your canopy. If it's completely closed, you'll have issues with any lights you choose. Many LEDs have their own exhaust/circulation fans to keep the heatsinks cool, but if you're constantly recycling warm, humid air, it'll have a hard time cooling off and will wear quicker under less these than optimal conditions. __________________ Tank info: 120 gallon 48x30x20 high DT. Clownfish breeding rack in full swing: C-Quest Onyx, Bali Aquarich P1 Picasso + Rod's Onyx, wild percula + Rod's Onyx. Last edited by D-Nak; 03/02/2018 at 01:57 PM.

03/02/2018, 01:56 PM	#5
D-Nak Registered Member Join Date: May 2001 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 5,797	Also, each LED has it's own way of circulating air through itself. For example, Kessil A360s have fans that pull air through the top side and pushes it out the top. the best way to vent these is to have a hole directly over them (or have the tops stick out of the canopy). In contrast, Radions pull air through the fans and out the sides. __________________ Tank info: 120 gallon 48x30x20 high DT. Clownfish breeding rack in full swing: C-Quest Onyx, Bali Aquarich P1 Picasso + Rod's Onyx, wild percula + Rod's Onyx.

03/02/2018, 07:44 PM	#8
Valentini89 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Bay county, Fl Posts: 624	Thank you all. __________________ I have 1 1/2 years experience in this hobby. Take my advice with that in mind. Current Tank Info: 26g bowfront QT tank, -- 150g tall = http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2671045

03/01/2018, 09:42 PM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	I can't think of any quality lights that would not need to be vented. Why not cut holes just for the light vents. You are going to need to get some air movement across the water for cooling or get a chiller.

03/02/2018, 07:12 PM	#6
ctroms Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2016 Posts: 26	Try checking out Reefbrite Strips. I own 6 different units & like mine very much. I run the XHO's but do own a couple tech's. Oldest unit is about 4 yrs. old. I have owned other lighting types (MH/CF, CF, T5, these are the only LED's I have owned) but the ReefBrite XHO's have been my favourite. Pro's: No fans, very small profile, dimmers are available, made in all the common sizes, customer service is awesome (had one unit fail, replaced with new one in less than a week), come in different wattages( XHO's, Tech's, &?) for different application. Con's 3 different spectrum’s Blue, 50/50, and White, not highly customizable (timer for photoperiod & dimmer for intensity). Kinda short list but honestly don't have much bad to say. Hope this helped.

03/02/2018, 07:35 PM	#7
aznflyfisherman Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Posts: 957	I have use AI hydra52 in my hood (48x18x30) 110g and have no heat issues and unvented, but my hood is 14 to 15inches tall. I am now using the 48inch 320watt maxspect razor. Since my hood is pretty tall, vented wasn’t needed and it is in my finish basement. Also I have an ai hydra52 inside the hood of a 29g biocube and I haven’t had any heat issues. I don’t use any chiller.

03/02/2018, 07:51 PM	#9
Fredfish Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2000 Posts: 2,661	Since LEDs direct all their light downward, why would you even need a closed top? __________________ Advice is like a firehose. Be careful how you drink.