Reflectors under custom hoods...

[Reefer420]

Just wondering what happens to reflectors under custom built canopies...

Do they become really salt encrusted? How often do you clean them?

Would it be better to go w/ an HQI pendent b/c the glass would stop the salt build up (and its easier to clean one glass pane than the bulb, reflector, etc.) or is an SE setup not as bad as I am thinking.

I'm all set on a 20k Radium w/ PFO HQI ballast, but now I'm thinking about salt creep and maybe an HQI pendent under the hood would be better?

Either way I'd rather have better color light than easier cleaning...

As white of a 20k look as possible (as I've heard the overdriven Radium gives...)

Thanks!!!

 

[loismustdie]

My luminarcs and bulbs are 12 inches above the water surface in a custom built hood. No salt spray issues

 

[DevIouS]

Mine is about 10" above....with no salt issues.
You'll want to make sure there is no splash up from any pumps, etc. as 1 drop of water will cause the MH bulb to bust.

 

[charile1]

Sorry to go off topic but would happen if pc bulbs gets wet. I have them 4 or 5 inches above the water.

Mine is about 10" above....with no salt issues.
You'll want to make sure there is no splash up from any pumps, etc. as 1 drop of water will cause the MH bulb to bust.

 

[loismustdie]

they can shatter.

 

[Reefer420]

Mine is about 10" above....with no salt issues.
You'll want to make sure there is no splash up from any pumps, etc. as 1 drop of water will cause the MH bulb to bust.

would that cause a tank disaster? or just $$$$?

I'll be at least 10" above the water so I'm hoping I'll be fine..

 

[loismustdie]

could be both. MH doesent have the powder coating that flourescents do, so it may not be a water quality issue. But there can be sparking/arcing which could lead to fire or electrocution. Glass falling into an aquarium onto corals is also a bad thing.
At 10 inches, even slight spray probably won't be an issue. Just be sure it is not excessive. You should be trying to limit saly spray as much as possible anyway... it can make a mess of your walls and equipment. I recently read a story about a guy whose fish splashed water onto some of his equipment and the end result was his house burning down... at least that is what the fire marshals concluded after investigating.

 

[Reefer420]

well I have a GFCI - so that hopefully woulnd't be a problem

 

[glipper69]

Mine are about 9 inches above and they get sprayed all the time. though I have some pretty big tangs that get aggressive at feeding time. I've never had a problem, but cleaning is a real pain in the a$$.

Frank

 

[Reefer420]

Mine are about 9 inches above and they get sprayed all the time. though I have some pretty big tangs that get aggressive at feeding time. I've never had a problem, but cleaning is a real pain in the a$$.

Frank

Do you use SE bulbs?

I'm thinking that since I won't have any large fish there shouldn't be more than the usual small spray...

 

[jhale]

I have SE spider reflectors 10" off the water, they get salty, but nothing too bad. when I remember to I wipe them off.

I'm thinking about getting the mini luiminarcs, but worry the salt will mess them up.

also with the gfci's your pretty safe. I tested mine by accident yesterday. while redo-ing some plumbing the outlets got splashed, they shut off instantly. I dried them off and was back in business. Just be sure you test them once in a while, and make sure no one plugs anything else into them.
they could trip and if your not there a non reef person might not realize what's happened. :smash:

 

[Reefer420]

why would the mini luminarcs get messed up as compared to the SPider?

 

[jhale]

I meant I know the luminarcs will get salt on them, and I was not sure how hard it will be to keep them clean.

I don't clean the spider reflectors too often because I know they suck and it won't make that big a difference,