novafishy Posted April 24, 2006 Share Posted April 24, 2006 Would like to install a 70w MH to my 3ft x 2ft high tank. I do not want to suspend from the ceiling. I plan to build a high hood ontop of the tank. I've done a search on the forum and it seems that the height varies from 15cm-30cm. Here is a link to another option posted by TSMill aka Troy. (thanks for the pics buddy! ) CLICK ME! What do you guys think is the minimum height from the top of the tank to the bottom of the MH glass piece? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mianos Posted April 24, 2006 Share Posted April 24, 2006 My hood is aluminium so I refitted it. It's no hotter than it was before. I also put a small fan in it to keep it dry. I got glass to replace the plastic underneath it. The water temperature does not seem to be affected much although it is a 29.5 degree tank. These are only 70W. http://www.aceforums.com.au/index.php?showtopic=24559&hl= http://www.mianos.com/aquaria/refit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novafishy Posted April 27, 2006 Author Share Posted April 27, 2006 Thanks Rob. Here are my plans that i drew up. Pls share your thoughts. Basically I have 2 choices. 1) Closed hood with built in fans (will have to rig them up) - costs more (fans, wood, transformers etc...) - looks better - less ventilation - more reflective light 2) Open hood, - easy to make - more ventilation - less reflective light - no need for electrical wiring and fans What do you guys think? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuong Posted April 27, 2006 Share Posted April 27, 2006 Very cool plans! I'd go for the open top, just because I'd get sick of the sound of whirling fans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novafishy Posted April 27, 2006 Author Share Posted April 27, 2006 Thanks for your opinion Schmuck. What do others think? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest parallel Posted April 27, 2006 Share Posted April 27, 2006 Nova, Why don't you do something like this, Easy to make and I can probably get the boys in our factory to knock something up quick. Cheers Parallel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novafishy Posted April 27, 2006 Author Share Posted April 27, 2006 Parallel - that looks nice. I shall measure dimensions and figure out how to attach the metal halide light stand to the metal tank stand. But the advantage of having a hood is so that the light doesn't spread out over a wide area and its all concentrated INTO the tank. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest parallel Posted April 27, 2006 Share Posted April 27, 2006 Nova, Ok if you ever need help on this one just give me a shout Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mianos Posted April 27, 2006 Share Posted April 27, 2006 I would try and make the thing to avoid fans as much as possible. You would be best to try and buy some aluminium reflector or fab one out of thicker plate rather than using foil. It's very important to keep in mind the light spill from the side. These lights are very bright so any spill should be avoided. If you can get good reflectors pendant lights are great. Personally I'd rather have a hood with closed sides and an open top then a fully open pendant. Hph simply got the light hooked from the roof and built an open 4 sided box that sits on the tank at work. That worked pretty well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novafishy Posted April 27, 2006 Author Share Posted April 27, 2006 Thanks Rob. I was thinking of a combination of a pendant stand and a simple hood. I'll draw up some plans soon. Suspending from the ceiling is not an option, but I'm sure Hong's tank looks real nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novafishy Posted April 27, 2006 Author Share Posted April 27, 2006 How about this guys? Combining Parallel's metal pendant stand and a hood to minimise light loss. And when I need to do maintenance on the tank, i can just slide the hood off without having to touch the light. I think this might be the way to go. Any thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novafishy Posted April 27, 2006 Author Share Posted April 27, 2006 Just a question, will the heat produced from the Metal halide affect the hood (made from MDF) in any way? perhaps warping it? If so, what is the best wood to use in this case? thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
10050460 Posted April 27, 2006 Share Posted April 27, 2006 wood should be able to withstand heat! if not then your house is gonna burn down soon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mianos Posted April 27, 2006 Share Posted April 27, 2006 It depends on the power of the unit. If they are 70W units maybe it would be OK. But for anything more I would want them a distance away from the wood. I would never want them bolted to wood. I would make an aluminum frame and bolt the frame to the wood. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BaZ Posted April 29, 2006 Share Posted April 29, 2006 wood should be able to withstand heat Looks like there's still some debate about the mystery of fire I'd also space them off the timber. There would be a hot spot where they touched the timber and yes it may be able to withstand that level of heat but do you really want to take the chance? By the way I love your plans. I've been coming back to this thread in the hope that you would add some more Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
novafishy Posted April 29, 2006 Author Share Posted April 29, 2006 Thanks for the tip Baz. I have actually bought all the wood and have put it together. I shall post pics up later. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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