MH Question

[calvin & hobbes]

I currently have an oceanic 75 gallon tank that is 20 inches deep with a canopy that is about 6 inches away from the waters surface. I am looking at getting either 2 175W or 2 250w MH with 10K ushio bulbs to include a twin vho retro with actinic bulbs. With the canopy being only 6 inces away from the waters surface, would it be okay to mount the lighting inside the canopy as I do not use the glass top. As far as heating wise, I have two icecap fans build into the sides of the canopy, one blowing air in and the other blowing air out. Would this be sufficent enough to desipitate the heat cause by the lighting? Should I go with the 250W or 175W MH, will eventually want to keep clams.

 

[sebae0]

i would use the 250's imo and 6" might be a little tight because you wouldn't want to splash water on them, as far as the heat with the fans going it might raise it a little. my mh are in an open top about 8-9" from the water surface and raise my temp about 1-2 degrees.

 

[anglachel]

do you already have the canopy? components?
If you're going to do MH's, and you're going to want clams, might as well do it 100% the first time. Note: 100% is always expensive.
have you looked at the double ended halides? HQI's with proper reflectors will outperform anything, and bulb life and size is more desirable.
take a look at sunlight supply's retros and hoods, it will cost you more, but after the purchase you will not regret it.