how high?

Graf-X · 07-29-2002, 10:55 AM

I am currently drawing up plans for a new custom canopy for my 72 bowfront...lighting will include 2x 250w -6.5k Iwasakis and 2x 110w 03 actinic VHOs....I was thinking 18" above water, and good air circulation would reduce the need for a chiller...Any suggestions? Thanks!!

Graf-X · 07-29-2002, 01:42 PM

Also...If the VHOs are 18" above the water...will they loose too much intensity?

PerryinCA · 07-29-2002, 07:47 PM

At 18" the VHO will do very little, if anything. I would recommend building some sort of stand off to lower them to about 5-7" of the water to max benefit, and minimal danger or water damage.

-Perry

Graf-X · 07-30-2002, 02:58 PM

So I what your saying is to somehow mount the vhos 5-7 inches above the water and the halides 18" high, on the top of the canopy...Will the vhos block any of the halide lighting with this setup? In your opinion, Would this be the best setup for this size tank/lighting combo?

PerryinCA · 07-30-2002, 08:28 PM

I would recommend to mount the halide at around 8-10" and the VHO around 5" if possible. As far as choices, you have quite a few, but I think you chose a good setup.

-Perry

VPWoodwork1 · 08-04-2002, 08:33 AM

Graf,
I believe Perry is meaning to have the bottom of the bulbs at those heights. I make the canopies 14" from top of tank to inside top of canopy. This allows for fans to help greatly with circulation and cooling. Do you have reflectors for the VHO's. If so I dont believe you would loose that much lighting from the VHO's. Either way make sure your MH's are a minimum of 8" off the water. This is from the water to the bulb, not to where it is mounted.

ASH · 08-13-2002, 11:05 AM

From IceCap:
I have my VHOs at 12" above the water and my MH pendent glass 9" off the water. I didn't want my fluorescents to block my MH light and didn't want my fluorescents cooked by my MHs. I use one of our 4" variable speed fans blowing air in under the pendent's height and leave a 1/2" opening on the top of my hood to allow for passive cooling. Works for me.
I recommend a reflector even with URI 180 bulbs as light reflected off the water, from both light sources, needs to be re-directed down.

Andy

hllywd · 08-16-2002, 05:12 PM

My setup is smaller, the tank is a 30G with a system total of about 75G. I have a 175W MH and 2 96W PCs about 3" off the surface of the water with a window glass shield. The canopy is closed and I have 1 - 3 1/2" 240V fan running on 110V, the canopy is approximately 6" tall and has a sheet metal top with a spectral aluminum reflector. You can lay your hand on top of the sheet metal and notice the slightest elevated temp. I never have an elevated tank temp. My experience is that unless you have some special reason to mount the lights high, such as your reflector focal length or something of that nature mounting the lights any higher than necessary is unwarranted with proper air movement. More fans will probably be needed in your situation only because of the wattage you intend to use plus if 1 fan goes out multiples give you a measure of safety. I use the 240V fan only because it was what I had, and running on 110V you cannot here it, if I were to build another hood I would probably go with a variable speed fan such as the Ice Cap, or at least 1 VS fan is made for computer applications (about $15) though you'd need an 12V wall adapter to run it.
Tim

07-29-2002, 10:55 AM	#1
Graf-X Just Moved In Join Date: May 2001 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 30	how high? I am currently drawing up plans for a new custom canopy for my 72 bowfront...lighting will include 2x 250w -6.5k Iwasakis and 2x 110w 03 actinic VHOs....I was thinking 18" above water, and good air circulation would reduce the need for a chiller...Any suggestions? Thanks!!

08-04-2002, 08:33 AM	#6
VPWoodwork1 Just Moved In Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 17	Graf, I believe Perry is meaning to have the bottom of the bulbs at those heights. I make the canopies 14" from top of tank to inside top of canopy. This allows for fans to help greatly with circulation and cooling. Do you have reflectors for the VHO's. If so I dont believe you would loose that much lighting from the VHO's. Either way make sure your MH's are a minimum of 8" off the water. This is from the water to the bulb, not to where it is mounted. __________________ Glenn www.aquarium-stands.com

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07-29-2002, 01:42 PM	#2
Graf-X Just Moved In Join Date: May 2001 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 30	Also...If the VHOs are 18" above the water...will they loose too much intensity?

07-29-2002, 07:47 PM	#3
PerryinCA Governor Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Folsom, CA Posts: 2,103	At 18" the VHO will do very little, if anything. I would recommend building some sort of stand off to lower them to about 5-7" of the water to max benefit, and minimal danger or water damage. -Perry

07-30-2002, 02:58 PM	#4
Graf-X Just Moved In Join Date: May 2001 Location: Atlanta, GA Posts: 30	So I what your saying is to somehow mount the vhos 5-7 inches above the water and the halides 18" high, on the top of the canopy...Will the vhos block any of the halide lighting with this setup? In your opinion, Would this be the best setup for this size tank/lighting combo?

07-30-2002, 08:28 PM	#5
PerryinCA Governor Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Folsom, CA Posts: 2,103	I would recommend to mount the halide at around 8-10" and the VHO around 5" if possible. As far as choices, you have quite a few, but I think you chose a good setup. -Perry

08-13-2002, 11:05 AM	#7
ASH Sponsor Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: Lawrenceville, NJ USA Posts: 120	From IceCap: I have my VHOs at 12" above the water and my MH pendent glass 9" off the water. I didn't want my fluorescents to block my MH light and didn't want my fluorescents cooked by my MHs. I use one of our 4" variable speed fans blowing air in under the pendent's height and leave a 1/2" opening on the top of my hood to allow for passive cooling. Works for me. I recommend a reflector even with URI 180 bulbs as light reflected off the water, from both light sources, needs to be re-directed down. Andy

08-16-2002, 05:12 PM	#8
hllywd Just Moved In Join Date: Sep 2000 Location: Findlay, Ohio Posts: 40	My setup is smaller, the tank is a 30G with a system total of about 75G. I have a 175W MH and 2 96W PCs about 3" off the surface of the water with a window glass shield. The canopy is closed and I have 1 - 3 1/2" 240V fan running on 110V, the canopy is approximately 6" tall and has a sheet metal top with a spectral aluminum reflector. You can lay your hand on top of the sheet metal and notice the slightest elevated temp. I never have an elevated tank temp. My experience is that unless you have some special reason to mount the lights high, such as your reflector focal length or something of that nature mounting the lights any higher than necessary is unwarranted with proper air movement. More fans will probably be needed in your situation only because of the wattage you intend to use plus if 1 fan goes out multiples give you a measure of safety. I use the 240V fan only because it was what I had, and running on 110V you cannot here it, if I were to build another hood I would probably go with a variable speed fan such as the Ice Cap, or at least 1 VS fan is made for computer applications (about $15) though you'd need an 12V wall adapter to run it. Tim

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