Good hood for MH?

[dow]

Hey,

I traded for a MH and VHO light setup over the weekend, but am having to re-install everything since it was on a 55gal show tank (48x13x however deep it was) and I have a 45 breeder tank (36x18x18). I'm going to set up the MH's first (two 175watt 10,000k lamps with advance ballasts)and then maybe add the VHO system back in later. I said maybe because the VHO ballast is shot, and I'll also need to get some 36" tubes for it, so I'm basically down to the sockets on that part.

So here'a my question. What would you recommend for a hood for these MH lamps that I could get up and running pretty quick? The reflectors with these lamps are polished aluminum, and are somewhat "m" shaped from the end and are 16" long by about 12-13" wide. Oh yeah, there are also two radio shack fans and three intermatic digital timers, all of which work.

Any ideas?

TIA,

dow

[PerryinCA]

Well, most people build or thier canopy, and a majority of the time its made out of wood.

There are really two options, build one, or buy. There are a few good quality fixtures out there, but most of them are made with the light systems built in. For those who like to DIY (do it yourself), wood is generally the best medium as its pretty inexpensive, and is relatively easy to work with. A good height is about 10-12 inches tall from the frame of the tank. That way you have some flexibility as to where you can put your lights (heightwise). Its easier to build standoffs for the lights than it is to raise the canopy. Having doors on the front makes the tank alot easier to work on. The inside is best painted white, or covered in reflective mylar. On the outside you can paint or stain to your liking.

Also, don't forget that you can always build a simple wood "box" and hang it upside-down from the ceiling and have a pendant style fixture.

Your question's pretty broad, but I hope that helps a little. A little more detail on exactly what your looking for could help us get you better info.

[dow]

Thanks for the response, Perry.

As far as what I'm looking for, I think that, at least short term, I'd like to rig up some type of a pendant like the one Hamilton makes, but I haven't found anything yet to use for the shade. Eventually, I'd like to add the second MH and some actinics, but at least with a single pendant, I'd have some light for when the dust settles in my new tank. It's amazing how long the fines can stay in suspension, lol.

Thanks,

dow