broomer5
Active Member
I've read on other posts that many of you have built your own lighting canopy.
I'm entering that phase of my "newer" set up now - and would like to hear any details any of you folks would be willing to share.
I have a standard AllGlass 75 gallon tank.
I plan to go with (2) new 175 watt MH, and use my existing (4) 65 watt PC's, ballast and components from an ABS hood I have now.
Probably use the PC's for actinic - along with the new metal halides.
I measured from the top of the sandbed to the top rim of my tank, added 12 inches for canopy height, and come up with about 29 inches total height.
I've been toying around with the idea of (2) 250 watt MH, but thought this may be overkill, and have been advised this may create too much heat over the tank.
Anyone out their have a similar set up, or care to share any drawings, plans, etc. for the wood canopy? Pine construction with oak stain is what I intend to use, to match the existing stand and other furniture in the room.
I've already searched the net at the usual sites, and so far have not seen any designs I like all that much. I want to be able to access the top of the tank easily for feeding and general maintenance, and prefer not to have glass tops of any kind. A canopy that swings open up in the front would be ideal, although I'm open to suggestions.
I plan to build a small wooden ventilated side cabinet to match the stand and canopy, that will sit next to the main stand. This cabinet will house the ballasts/enclosures and get most of the wiring, timers and crap out from behind the tank. There is no room under my stand right now due to sump, refugium, and plumbing. It's packed full down there.
I'm fairly handy with tools, woodworking, staining/painting and wiring electrical fixtures, so DIY is very attractive to me and it's fun.
Here's the scoop;
75 gallon reef tank.
Do not want to limit myself on coral selections.
Currently have the (4) 65 watt PC fixture I can canibalize for parts ( or sell if anyone is interested ).
Want to DIY to keep cost down.
Still deciding upon using (2) 175wattMH or (2) 250watt MH <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" />
Any and all suggestions or help is welcome
email broomer5@aol.com
I'm entering that phase of my "newer" set up now - and would like to hear any details any of you folks would be willing to share.
I have a standard AllGlass 75 gallon tank.
I plan to go with (2) new 175 watt MH, and use my existing (4) 65 watt PC's, ballast and components from an ABS hood I have now.
Probably use the PC's for actinic - along with the new metal halides.
I measured from the top of the sandbed to the top rim of my tank, added 12 inches for canopy height, and come up with about 29 inches total height.
I've been toying around with the idea of (2) 250 watt MH, but thought this may be overkill, and have been advised this may create too much heat over the tank.
Anyone out their have a similar set up, or care to share any drawings, plans, etc. for the wood canopy? Pine construction with oak stain is what I intend to use, to match the existing stand and other furniture in the room.
I've already searched the net at the usual sites, and so far have not seen any designs I like all that much. I want to be able to access the top of the tank easily for feeding and general maintenance, and prefer not to have glass tops of any kind. A canopy that swings open up in the front would be ideal, although I'm open to suggestions.
I plan to build a small wooden ventilated side cabinet to match the stand and canopy, that will sit next to the main stand. This cabinet will house the ballasts/enclosures and get most of the wiring, timers and crap out from behind the tank. There is no room under my stand right now due to sump, refugium, and plumbing. It's packed full down there.
I'm fairly handy with tools, woodworking, staining/painting and wiring electrical fixtures, so DIY is very attractive to me and it's fun.
Here's the scoop;
75 gallon reef tank.
Do not want to limit myself on coral selections.
Currently have the (4) 65 watt PC fixture I can canibalize for parts ( or sell if anyone is interested ).
Want to DIY to keep cost down.
Still deciding upon using (2) 175wattMH or (2) 250watt MH <img src="graemlins//confused.gif" border="0" alt="[confused]" />
Any and all suggestions or help is welcome
email broomer5@aol.com
