newly installed MH

[mxer485]

I just hung 2x250 mh lamps in my canopy and as i starting to thinkin about it should i be worried about them producing so much heat that it will catch the canopy on fire i also installed to 3 inch computer fans from radio shack in the canopy to get rid of built up heat any thoughts or idea much appreiciated thanks everybody

 

[acrylic51]

How far away are the MH mounted away from the top of the canopy??? What is the canopy lined with as well?

 

[mxer485]

the canopy it a regular pine oak canopy i would say it was lined with nothing i have the lights mounted from a wooden beam that i mounted going across the canopy the lights are spaced about a 1/4 of a inch of the beam and the lights themseleves are about 2 inchs from the flip up top

 

[mxer485]

is there a type of lining that would help wood not asorb as much heat

 

[cowfishrule]

do you have any fans on top?
remember, heat rises. fans on top of your canopy will really help remove heat

 

[acrylic51]

What I was getting out is are you using any type of reflector between the top of the bulb and the canopy? I've used reflectors which all of us do and haven't had any problems with the MH burning or heating up the canopy top...I is probably warm but haven't had any problems in 5 years this way, and of course I do use fans inside my canopy, but really can't comment on running them on the top of the canopy though

 

[mxer485]

yeah i have to 3 inch fans pullin all the hot air out and as far as reflectors both lights are HQI so there in there own seperate metal casing if thats what you mean

 

[acrylic51]

I don't think you have anything to worry about....Use the fans to cool the canopy down a bit, and if your still unsure keep your eyes on the inside of your canopy to see if there's any discoloring, but should be ok....Personally I would have used aluminum to line the inside of the canopy before installing my lights....Did you at least seal the wood inside the canopy?

 

[ezee]

Mxer,
Are your lights actually making your canopy really hot or are you just worried that they will. I also noticed that you said flip top, does that mean you have a glass top on your tank under the canopy? If you do you may want to get rid of it.
E

 

[mxer485]

No im just really worried they it will get hot, but no i mean the flip top on my wooden canopy i have the glass tops removed

 

[ezee]

Got it! Maybe you should wait a little. You might not have anything to worry about.
E

 

[kennedy]

I have a new tank and just resently got into salt water. I have some mushroom corrals, clown fish, snails, etc. I am getting a small film on top of my water and the tests keep coming back ok. Any advise