canopy/lighting question

zanemoseley

zanemoseley

Active Member
ok I've got a mogal socket for a MH setup that connects to metal flex tubing via a tapped connector, my question is will the steel flex tubing be ok toward the top of a 10" canopy as far as the metal with the saltwater, also how hot do the ceramic mogal sockets get because I'm thinking about using PVC pipe to secure the socket into place on the canopy
 
mr . salty

mr . salty

Active Member
The fexible steel tubing will probably last awhile,but it will surly rust within a month or so.
Go to your hardware store and look for flexible conduate(sp?) made of stainless steel.
Or just use romax wire rated for outdoor use.
The socket itself will get hot from the bulb.This will definatly melt the plastic(pvc) mount.
Most mogal sockets have two small screws at the rear for mounting.
Get some stainless steel sheeting,about 16 gauge,and make yourself a bracket,use these mounting screws to attach the socket.
Get some extra stainless to make yourself a reflector while your at it.
Good luck.
 
zanemoseley

zanemoseley

Active Member
I think I'm just gonna take off the conduit adaptor and buy a premade bracket or make one out of of aluminum or stainless steel, also is stainless steel stainless all the way through or just on the outside? so if you cut it would the edges be exposed to rusting? I may just get thinner metal so I can just bend the metal instead of bending it, so you think 16ga is thick enough for a bracket?
 
zanemoseley

zanemoseley

Active Member
good idea on the plexiglass, would 1/4" plexi be good, how high should the socket/bulb be from the reflector
 
mr . salty

mr . salty

Active Member
Plexi will get hot and stink up your tank.Plus it will also eventually melt.STICK WITH THE STAINLESS.
Yes it is stainless all the way through.
The bulb can be as close as 1/4 inch to the reflector.But the reflector should have at lease a 1/4 inch air space between it and the canopy it is mounted to.This space can be made simply by stacking washers between the reflector and the canopy on the mounting screws.
 
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