Yet another MH Lighting/Heat question

[pchromis]

I'd like some opinions and thoughts on using a IceCap electronic ballast 250w MH DE with parobolic reflector mounted about 11" above the surface of the water in a well ventilated canopy. The tank is a 95g 36x24x25 in a dark corner lower level of home.
There is a sump and will have a Eheim 1260 return pump and protein skimmer with pump (I included this info because of heat transfer).
So I ask what heat issues I can expect even using fans....
Also if I go the T5 route, with a 6x39w retrokit, my concern is what the salt does to the bulbs and reflector. My current 37g reef uses 2x65w PCs and the reflctor and bulbs are salt encrusted..
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

 

[pchromis]

Also,
Is there any heat difference between using a DE and SE bulb?

 

[scsinet]

Any heat difference between DE and SE lamps would be negligable.
My gut tells me that a single 250 over 95g of water shouldn't produce any heat issues, but everyone's canopy, setup, and environment is different.

 

[pchromis]

True. I've considered all the factors, the room is not sunny, central a/c in summer. I'm in the northeast.
Right now my current 37g uses 2x65w PC and the tank stays at 78.
I too was also thinking that a single 250 will not produce a heat issue. the canopy is ventilated and slotted on top and I will use fans.
This lighting issue is giving me the toughest time to decide.

 

[pchromis]

Originally Posted by SCSInet
http:///forum/post/3136011
Any heat difference between DE and SE lamps would be negligable.
My gut tells me that a single 250 over 95g of water shouldn't produce any heat issues, but everyone's canopy, setup, and environment is different.
The other issue was the MH bulb being roughly 11" from surface of water. Can't mount it any higher.

 

[scsinet]

11" should be fine.

 

[pchromis]

Originally Posted by SCSInet
http:///forum/post/3136072
11" should be fine.

Thanks for your replies, SCS.....I can't believe i'm having so much trouble trying to decide on lighting...I would hate to go MH and then need a chiller..

 

[scsinet]

Originally Posted by pchromis
http:///forum/post/3136107
Thanks for your replies, SCS.....I can't believe i'm having so much trouble trying to decide on lighting...I would hate to go MH and then need a chiller..
Don't get me wrong, a chiller is always a possibility.

 

[pchromis]

Originally Posted by SCSInet
http:///forum/post/3136185
Don't get me wrong, a chiller is always a possibility.

I agree....I'm going T5...
Any thoughts on retrokits?
Is a standard T5 fixture a possibility in a canopy?
Basically, I know salt creep is an issue and takes it toll on bulbs and reflectors, '
some fixtures have a glass or acrylic shield..

 

[jetskiking]

Depends on the canopy/fixture. A lot of stock fixtures even come with standoffs so they can be mounted in a hood. As far as salt creep goes. They all need some sort of maintenance. With a retro it will be necessary to pull the bulbs and wipe them off every now in then. with a fixture you will need to keep the lense clean.
If I was going t-5 I would personally do a retro if its an option. With the retro there are just more options when it comes to reflectors, ballast selection and overdriving.

 

[snakeblitz33]

if you are that worried about heat, then don't use a metal halide. Most, if not all T5 systems that I have seen have an acrylic screen which protects against splash and spray.
If you want to get some good ideas on how to aerate your canopy better, I suggest looking at some Mary Jane growing sites - they have some excellant tools for controling heat in tight spaces.

 

[pchromis]

Yea, that's where I'm leaning..There's a good selection of IceCaps, Aquaillumination and sunlight supply....all the same price...

 

[pchromis]

Thanks, Snake.
The canopy is well ventilated with nice sized slots between top planking. It's just the sides of the canopy are solid for aesthetic reasons.
I notice fixtures have the shield, but not the retros.
I guess I'm looking for the best of both worlds.