Canopy Question

[Bradlee123]

Hi all, I am in the process of building a canopy for my 75 gallon, my question is this, I am putting in 2 250w MH, and 4 vho's, I have a heavy mirror that is exactly the right size to put in the "ceiling" of the canopy. Is heat going to be a problem for the mirror? I will have 2 small fans in the canopy as well, I was thinking maybe I could put a piece of tempered glass between the lights and the water to prevent any splash breaking??? Any and all input is greatly appreciated.

[tray262]

I'm going to say this without a lot of knowledge on MH's, but the do put off a good bit of heat, I don't believe it would be a great idea to use a "solid" mirror as a "solid" ceiling. Heat rises and I do believe will be trapped. Also do the MH have a vented top ? or is it a retro kit ? and how are you attaching everything to a mirror ? Just wondering.

[reseter5]

i was a glazier for 5 years( glass worker) .. the saltwater will make the mirror go bad.. mirror is more or less chrome plated glass..its nickel copper and chrome... and you dont want copper in a reef tank... the back of the mirro will tarnish

[Randy1]

Use aluminum sheet metal from Home Depot.

[Bradlee123]

That's what I needed to know, thanks. I have already made some really cool polished aluminum brackets to suspend the lights from the ends of the canopy, they will look great with a flat, polished aluminum reflector.

[110galreef]

Get some good air flow and vents in the side of the canopy also. Make sure no water gets on the bulbs or terminals as well.

I have a hood w/ 2 250w MH and 2 110 w vho's in my 110 gallon canopy and 2 -4" fans blowing across and out and it works good!