Light/Tank Question

[Dolomiteclay]

I have 250 Coral Life MH fixture on my 65 gallon tank right now, and I noticed yesterday that the center plastic plastic strip in the middle of the aquarium gets really hot when the MH bulb is on. I run it for 6 hours per day and I really don't want to go any less than that. I'm worried about it doing damage to the center plastic piece. Anyone else out there have a similar problem? The fixture is three inches off the top and probably 3.5 to 4 inches from the center plastic piece. Any help would be much appreciated.

 

[WhoDey]

I have seen many center braces warped and distorted by MH's. I don't have a quick fix, I am just saying it is a possibility to destroy them.

 

[livingstone]

Cut a length of PVC pipe in half lengthwise and lay one of the halves over the center brace from the front of the tank to the back. Of course, the length of the pipe should be equal to the length of the center brace and the diameter of the pipe equal to the width of the brace.

 

[Dolomiteclay]

Awesome idea. I installed a little fan behind the light and it helped for sure, but I will do this as well for piece of mid. Thanks for the great tip.

 

[condiman]

Looks like that will work quite nicely but I would also make sure you have a small fan to keep it cool

 

[Dolomiteclay]

how did you cut this thing.