question about mh lights

[tylerfear]

so i got a 46g bow and there is a plastic piece that conects from the middle of the bow to the back. if i get some mh or vho will they melt the plastic piece? what lights would you suggest? i am going fowlr for now but will upgrade to a reef once i figure this great hobby out.
thanks

 

[oceana]

you should not have a problem. Most if not all tanks after a certain size have one or more center braces and I have never heard of someones MH melting it before.
just be sure your lights at AT LEAST 6-8 inches off the water. perferably 8-10
it will get hot but not nearly that hot

 

[kaotik]

there is a possibility that the lights will melt it. You can go to your local automotive store and get a package of heat resistant tape (like they use on plastic parts in your engine) and run a strip of it over the plastic piece. that should keep it from getting warm.

 

[schubert]

I'm glad I read this...I have a seaclear 40g with a similar plastic strip...would they have the tape at home depot?

 

[kaotik]

hmmm...im not sure, i cant think of a home application where you would need such tape?

 

[slick]

Your lights are not going to melt the plastic brace. If you don't believe me go find a junk tank and try to melt the plastic brace with your lights. Unless your lights are directly on the plastic it won't melt.