[Reinhold]

My brother is a finish carpenter/cabinet maker. I'd like some recommendations for 48" DIY hood plans for my 60 gallon show tank. I've searched the net and found 50,000 plans, but I'd like some first-hand recommendations if possible, from the people I trust here at Reefland. I'm going to ask my brother to build it for me.

Right now, I'm thinking 2 X 250W Iwasaki MH's with 2 X ??W VHO actinics. Does this sound like too much heat? A chiller isn't an option, but I will certainly add fans to the hood.

Lastly, does anyone know of a pre-fab MH/VHO retro kit like the above which would simply mount into the hood?

[PerryinCA]

Hey Reinhold,

I think that the 2 250w, + VHO sounds like a good idea. 2 4" fans should be OK provided its not too humid. More may be needed if it is, but in any case, that much heat is easily handled without a chiller. For a 48" canopy, I would recommend the 46.5" URI VHO lamps. They are 110w. They can be found just about anywhere (that sells URI) and it'll be much easier to fit them in a 48" canopy.

I am unaware of any direct bolt in kits, but the PFO and Icecap retros that are sold everywhere need very little technical expertise to install. Its all pretty much a matter of a few screws. They will come with everything you need except mounting screws, and probably a timer.

For the canopy. I would recommend something around 10-12" tall. That will give you room to work, and room for adjustment if needed. You'll want doors that open onthe front somehow, and haveing a dor on the top adds ease of light removal. There are really a LOT of ways to go about it. Best thing to do would be to surf around peoples sites, and find one you like. Give your brother a pic, and the dimensions you'd like. Its really about personal taste.

-Perry

[golfish]

You can probably fit two of these 24" reflectors in your canopy. The good thing about them is they can house a MH bullb and if put to gether can house 2 or even 4 VHO's. I have one with a 400 watt Iwasaki and 4x550watt Blue PC's

http://www.marinedepot.com/a_lt_mh_p...fo.asp?CartId=

[Aquariust]

I personally like Bob's design from Bob's Reefer Madness. Scroll down some:

http://bobsreefermadness.homestead.c..._gal_home.html

Definately a nice design. Lots of light under there. Easy access. Not "top heavy" looking. You'd have to cut it down to 2 doors instead of 3.

I am under construction of building one right now. There's a ton of pics, and if your Brother is as good as he says he is he could build it by pics alone! You can also email Bob if you really like the design? Let me know, I have his email.

http://www.premiumaquatics.com has the PFO reflectors on his site.
GL!

[mrok12]

how difficult would it be to add a couple of power compacts to the pfo retrofits you provided the link for. What would you have to get and from where. Im thinking about doing it this way, seem cheaper than buying it prefabed from like hamilton who wants over 700 dollars for 2 250watt 10 k with 2 pc in a retofit.

THANKS
MROK 12

[Aquariust]

Well, I am in the process of doing the same thing on my 125.

I am probaly going to be using MH from www.aquaticlight.com

I am using Power compacts from www.ahsupply.com

The reflector is a PFO retrofit from www.premiumaquatics.com

With this design, and a 2 3 or 4" fans, heat shouldn't be a problem. Just make sure the MH is 10-12" off the waters surface.

The PFO reflector holds 2 55W PC's or 2 VHO's. Your choice. I'd use atinics.

This setup may be comparable in price to the hamiltons, but it would be better IMHO. More versatility. Go to the lfs and try moving one of those monster light setups.