metal halide retrofit kits

[xsizzlax]

I want to order one but can i just mount it to my wood canopy which would be about 5 inches from the water is this too close. Also it comes with a 43000k bulb i can upgrade to a 5500k or 120000k bulb which one would be better
Thanks for any input!!

 

[mr . salty]

Yes you can mount it under your hood.I DID,and mine is about the same(5") from the water.You should go with at least the 55k bulb.Then just keep an eye out for a better bulb onsale somewhere.The 12000k bulbs seem to have a bad rep for problems.I have 10oook bluelines in both of my 175 retro's.

 

[joetst2]

Why do so many LFS people and others talk about having a 10" canopy if you have been running it succesfully so close to the water? Obviously you have a glass tank.

 

[fender]

Heat, the closer to the water, the greater the heat and light transfer. Another reason is salt creep, you'll have to clean the bulb more often if you don't have a piece of glass between it and the water.
If you can keep the water < 84degrees (78 is optimal) and have the lights 5inches above the water you are in good shape.

 

[sonny]

You should always have something between the MH lamp and the water. These lamps get hot, and if water splashes on them, it could make them explode. You can get a piece of tempered glass that will not be affected by the heat. I recently had a bulb to burn out (175watt MH), and it had a hole in the glass bulb. That means if I hadn't had a cover over it, some of the glass and powder from the lamp could have been in my tank!
Sonny

 

[mr . salty]

I have NEVER had any problems with my bulbs blowing up.And to tell you the truth,You are the first that I have heard it actually happening.I have personally splashed quite a bit of water on my MH's..Although it is not advised,It's also not the "kiss of death"...These bulbs are alot tougher than you think...They are made out of heat treated,tempered glass...