[Beaker]

Hi All
New to the board, but am impressed with all the info. I have recently moved and sold all my tanks. But now we're settle and I bought a new 120G with stand. I wasn't to crazy about the hoods available and have decided to build my own. My questions are as follows:
1. Many of the plans I've seen so far have hoods directly over the tank water with no glass partition. I understand the use of the polyurathene paint to protect the wood, but what about the electrical components of the light. Won't the salt eat up the connections? Shouldn,t I use a glass top between my hood ad lights?
2. I'm thinking of going with one or two sets of four foot fluoresent lights enclosed in clear plstic housing. These housings are available in home depot for about $20 each. If I enclose these in a wooden hood do I need to be concerned about heat ventilation?
3 I plan on using greenhouse flouresence tubes for a full spectum of light. And thoughts?
Thank in advance

[Reefland]

Hi Peter and Welcome to Reefland!

Before I get too much in detail, what kind of tank are you setting up?

Scott Z.

[Beaker]

I usually keep a FOWLR tank, but am considering trying to grow some marine plants this time. I know this will be difficult with the fish and inverts that love their vegis. I also will be keeping several anenomes. Iam considering one or two sets of 4' floresent grow lights enclosed in a pine hood. Do you think this will cause a heat problem if the hood is large enough . And do you think the lights will overheat the tank water?

[the_blue_tuna]

I dont think you will have a heat build up problem with NO flourescents in the hood if you put two or three small holes in each end of the fixture to help vent. That light system though will not give you what you need to raise anemones. It would provide you with enough light for your FOWLR and marine plants . I doubt you will get any temp change in the water .

[Reefland]

I agree with blue, the lights will not provide any heat issues and will be great for the appearance of your fish and growth of marine plants but will NOT be enough to maintain an anemone. For the types of bulbs, I would go with a mix of full spectrum and actinic for the best coloration; if you go with URI, Aqua Suns and Super Actinics would be the choice.

Regards,
Scott Z.