DIY canopy finally started!

[fw reefer]

That's an awesome looking canopy. I have a 100 Reef and I want to do the same lighting set up as you have and I had a couple of questions if you have time. I already have the VHO's pushed by an IceCap 660 (4 X 48"... 2 Actinic 2 50/50) and I want to add 2 250 W MH but I have to redo my canopy (only 4" high now) to accommodate the MH's.
1. How did/do you mount the lights to the canopy? Did you mount them to the top lid?
2. What type base/bulb/reflector 250 W MH setup do you recommend?
3. I have glass tops on my tank now with the VHO bulbs just resting on top. With MH's do you have to remove the glass?
Thanks, any and all help is much appreciated.

 

[roguetang]

and if u dont mind me asking how much did the wood set u back?

 

[escape2thewater]

Originally Posted by FW Reefer
That's an awesome looking canopy. I have a 100 Reef and I want to do the same lighting set up as you have and I had a couple of questions if you have time. I already have the VHO's pushed by an IceCap 660 (4 X 48"... 2 Actinic 2 50/50) and I want to add 2 250 W MH but I have to redo my canopy (only 4" high now) to accommodate the MH's.
1. How did/do you mount the lights to the canopy? Did you mount them to the top lid?
2. What type base/bulb/reflector 250 W MH setup do you recommend?
3. I have glass tops on my tank now with the VHO bulbs just resting on top. With MH's do you have to remove the glass?
Thanks, any and all help is much appreciated.
Thanks!
1. I actually bought a reflector kit from hellolights.com and mounted the 2 MH to it and 2 VHO's then screwed it to the top lid. The other 2 VHO's I just mounted the endcaps directly to the top. I left enough slack if I want to open the top I can.
2. mogul base is what I am using although many are using HQI/DE now(I already had most of this stuff from a previous purchase, just refit it into the new canopy). I am using 20k radium bulbs but im goning to try 14k's next time, 20k is too blue & nearly impossible to photograph.
3. Topless is the only way to fly! But seriuosly w/MH most run topless to help control heat. I dont have a chiller so... but to answer your question you dont HAVE to remove the glass but its reccomended.
Escape

 

[escape2thewater]

Originally Posted by RogueTang
and if u dont mind me asking how much did the wood set u back?

The whole thing cost me about $260 and 4 days from start to finish. 2 days to build, 2 days to stain & polyurethane. I already had most of the tools & some of the other supplies. ie- sandpaper, staples, ******** paint, etc.
Escape

 

[fw reefer]

Escape,
Thank you very much for the info. I was contemplating between the 20000K bulbs and the 14000K but after reading your reply I think that I'll go with the 14000k and if I want more blue just add another actinic bulb to the VHO's.