Upgrading lighting

[oppajer]

Hi guys, well i decided to upgrade my lighting from 4x55watt power compacts to some metal halides. i have a quick questions as to how to go about doing this. the current lighting is a hood made my custom sea life and i was wondering if it would be ok to gut that sucker and just mount two 175watt halides in them. would there be any problems such as heat? i've never really done any DYI projects so this is going to be the first....i even went out and bought a dremel :lol: suggestions on how to go about doing this would be great. thanks abunch guys

 

[Len]

WELCOME TO REEFS.ORG!

Unfortunately, I don't think a hood designed for PCs will accomdate halides. It's the height I'm concerned about. Halides, once mounted, need at least 3" above it, and it's recommend several inches (6-8") below (above the water). If you wanted to DIY a unit from scratch, I think you'll need a new hood that has enough clearance for halides.

 

[oppajer]

doh, don't really have the funds to go buy/build a new hood and the metal halide at the same time....hmmm decisions decisions.

 

[oppajer]

would the canopy from ahsupply:

http://ahsupply.com/finished_enclosures.htm

be high enough to mount metal halides?

 

[Len]

Nope. The mounting brakets + the bulbs usually already take up 4 inches on their own, so those 3.5" canopies won't cut it .... unless you like exploding bulbs :lol:. If you're going with an enclosed canopy for a MH, I recommend no less then 6" height (interior), preferably taller. Mine is 15" (might look unnatural on a smaller tank though).

 

[oppajer]

hehe yah 15 inches would be a little much on my small 55 gallon tank i'll read up on more DIY canopys for now. maybe i'll have to stick with my PC's for a little while longer until i come across a good deal or gather up enough courage to make my own. thanks for your input.