Finishing up my new canopy... ideas with acrlyic

[msd2]

Final step in the 100 gal tank changeover is the lights. the new canopy I am finishing up and had a few ideas. I was thinking of putting all the lights in it then putting some thin sheets of acrlyic under then between the tank and the canopy. Here is my thinking, If I have read correctly acrlyic doesnt like heat a lot so if i put this in the canopy and several fans at the back I could keep the heat trapped in the canopy then blown out with the fans. I also have a small concern about the lights being so close to the water, it sits directly on top of the tank so it would be inches from the water. What do you guys think? is there any drawback to using a second think layer of acrlyic in the canopy? I would imagine it will cut some light going into the water but to be honest im okay with that since there will be 3mh and 4 actinics when finished. I am more concerned about the heat.

 

[spline9]

Why not use glass instead of acrylic?

 

[msd2]

few reasons, one I can cut acrylic and two acrlyic is half the weight so when I lift this up on top of the aquarium I can in fact lift it

 

[spline9]

Heh, fair enough.
I wish I could give you some good advice on the acrylic but I cannot. The MHs will definately be hot and I would be concerned as well... hopefully somebody will be able to help out.
Oh, how about just using small glass shields over the MH bulbs since they arent very big? That way you wont have to use such a large piece. I dunno... just a thought.