lights coming in Wed...

cliffrouse11bas

cliffrouse11bas

Active Member
My new lighting system is coming in wed and I am going to build me a canopy. I am using 3/4 inch oak. I am thinking about making the canopy 12 in high so the bulbs would be about 11 in off the water. I am going to try and not use fans and see how it goes. I am going to have 300 watts of vho over the top. Also, where should I have my canopy open at the top where the lights are or the front panel?? I am using verathane sealer which from what I read from a couple of posts from nanoreef.com they all recommend it. I am staining it red oak color. Should I cover the back of the aquarium up or leave it open? Should I cut holes on the side for venilation and put a grill on top of the holes? I am going to try with the glass top on and with it off to see which works the best for me. Last thing when I mount the reflector onto the wood will I have to worry with any fire hazards. It is a hellolights retro kit... Thanks sorry for the long posts I just got so many questions to ask..
THanks Please help me not mess this thing up...
CLiff
 
cliffrouse11bas

cliffrouse11bas

Active Member
bump
I bought 2 3 inch computer fans from radio shack tonight that I am going to go ahead and install where should I place them in the canopy and how should I have them blowing in or out???
 
A

alti

Guest
have the fans blow in. i dont like the way the lights light up the wall behind the tank if it is left open. i just covered the back and cut out spaces for my overflow box and return lines. as for the opening, on mine i made it so the front and top both open. if it only opens from the top you are going to have to have really long arms to reach anything at the bottom of the tank and you will go blind every time you open the hood and have the lights shining in your eyes.
 
spider crab

spider crab

Member
I'm building a canopy as well. I've never heard of verathane. Can someone explain what it is and why it should be used.
I agree about building the front opening. Otherwise it will be a real pain to get into the tank with such a tall canopy.
You mentioned using oak for your hood. You might look at Oak faced plywood, which should be cheaper than real solid oak (assuming thats not what you are doing already). It's finish grade. From what I can tell thats what all of the stands and canopies are made of in the stores. It costs about $35-$40 per sheet, but real oak would be worse. I'm thinking I can build my canony with one 4 X 8 ft sheet (this is for a 48inch by 18 inch foot print)
 
cliffrouse11bas

cliffrouse11bas

Active Member
That is what I used oak plywood. Varathane is found a Lowes Hardware store and was told to me it is the best for marine applications. It costs me $39 dollars for a gallon, but I am sure that there is stuff that is just as good and as cheap...
 
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