New Canopy/Lights -- Finally done (pics)

[RobG]

Finally finished everything. Thank you all for your help!!! I would never have got it done without all the good people at Reefland helping me out.

I love the look of the MHs. I used to have a JBJ 4*55W hood sitting on 2*4s over the tank. Now have 2*250 AB 10K MH + 2 *110W Super Actinics. What an improvement...

[RobG]

Tank is 6 mo. old, and doing pretty well...

[RobG]

Last one...

[golfish]

Looking good Rob

[organicreefer]

cool.how high are the lights above the water?

[RobG]

The bottom of the MH bulbs are slightly over 6" above the water line. If I have any splashing issues, I'll lower the waterline by 1/2" or so. The actinics are about 3" over the waterline.

I was amazed at how purple the URI superactinics look compared to the JBJ PC actinics I used before that were very blue. Almost looks like a blacklight on the tank. The greens in the corals glow amazingly bright.

Rob

[scubadude]

My only question is the last pic posted....there seems to be alot of light shining out of the tank perimeter....wouldnt it be better to reflect that back into the tank perimeter? I know sometimes pics arent wat they appear....sum1 has critiqued my lighting in the same way b4 and Its not really like it appears in the pics. Very nice job though Rob!

[organicreefer]

how is the temp. doing with the lights @ 6 inches?glad to here the vho's are an improvement,im switching from pc's to uri's myself,and i cant wait!my only suggestion would be paint the inside of the hood flat white;)

[RobG]

OR,

Temp is doing good so far, but the MHs are only on for about 4 hours right now. The tank has yet to go above 79 (w/ 2 radio shack 4" fans), sits around 78 with the VHOs on (No fans) and around 77.5 in the dark. So overall, I'm happy w/ the temp.

What paint would you use? Wouldn't the humidity cause problems for a painted hood? It's currently finished with 4 coats of marine-grade polyurethane and a stain only...

Scubadude,

As far as the light out the back of the hood: The pic does not lie. There is quite a lot of bright light coming out of the back of the hood, but I didn't want to completely seal it for heat reasons. I've entertained thoughts of closing up the back, but I want to wait until the MHs are on 10 hours a day and see how the temp is doing then. Open back gives me lots of airflow right now... The basement stays nice and warm ;)

[organicreefer]

im painting /finishing my new hood and stand as we speak.im painting the inside of the stand and hood with flat white paint,and putting a clear two part epoxy over it,should be nearly indestructable the wood is already sealed so youre all set,it would just be nice if it was a bit more reflective.

[scubadude]

Originally posted by RobG
OR,

Scubadude,

I want to wait until the MHs are on 10 hours a day and see how the temp is doing then. Open back gives me lots of airflow right now... The basement stays nice and warm ;)

Touche! good idea!

[Ltspd]

Looks great! Glad you are pleased with the setup