Light help

C

Crackerspack

Cleaner Shrimp
#1
#1
Ok got my lights and now I am building a canopy... I will put up pics in DIY as i progress. My question: I am going to be running a 400mh on a wood frame. Will this get to hot? Do I need to put some sort of coating down so it won't catch on fire? And for water proofing?
 
Cherub

Cherub

Hey you
M.A.S.C Club Member
#2
#2
most people hang them to avoid these issues. I would not trust a MH in a wooden box. Those things cause third degree burns instantly. Hopefully you googled for an answer. 19 hours later maybe it's too late? xD
 
J&A Timberlake

J&A Timberlake

Goby
#3
#3
I have 2 250w MH in my canopy and would not recommend a 400w. the bolts in my hood get so hot on the outside of the canopy that they burn to the touch. inside is ridiculous. I had to run several fans (which is an unfortunate need as it causes great evaporation) just to keep the hood cool enough to not worry about fire. I would definitely suggest not putting a 400 in a canopy... but, how bout a false canopy? front and sides but metal halide has the top open so heat can rise?
 
C

Crackerspack

Cleaner Shrimp
#4
#4
[attachment=60034:name]

Well I have already built the frame of the canopy i put in the halide and hung the light. I havent put on the sides and front yet but so far the metal chain i hung it with is not hot to the touch at all. I have been running it for about an hour. I am planning on fans in each side of the canopy and i am not putting any sort of backing on. This is my display tank so i need to have a hood on. I will keep monitoring the heat and let you all know. BTW the light is a standard 10k, I have ordered a 20k and will be adding in 2 t5 actinics.
 
SAZAMA

SAZAMA

Dolphin
M.A.S.C Club Member
#7
#7
i run a 400w in a wooden box for almost a year, with no issues. come over Josh and I'll run you through it. one intake fan and one exit fan. should give you a nice amount of air exchange.
 
aztecdreams

aztecdreams

Bat Fish
M.A.S.C Club Member
#8
#8
I had 3 250w in a wood hood running for years.Had 1x2 for a 1" gap from top of hood, then a metal shield running the full length. Also used fans
 
J&A Timberlake

J&A Timberlake

Goby
#9
#9
looks like yall have/are doing it in a better way than my hood was. The chain hanging with a gap and flow through hood are awesome touches. Should be fine. Mine are connected directly to the hood and not hung, plus it's a much smaller space (attached pics). You shouldn't have any problems with that large of a hood and flow through air crackerspack.


 
Cherub

Cherub

Hey you
M.A.S.C Club Member
#10
#10
SAZAMA;108253 said:
i run a 400w in a wooden box for almost a year, with no issues. come over Josh and I'll run you through it. one intake fan and one exit fan. should give you a nice amount of air exchange.
Click to expand...
The fans are a great idea
 
C

Crackerspack

Cleaner Shrimp
#12
#12
SAZAMA;108253 said:
i run a 400w in a wooden box for almost a year, with no issues. come over Josh and I'll run you through it. one intake fan and one exit fan. should give you a nice amount of air exchange.
Click to expand...
And Tony I read an input fan is not a good idea because it sucks in dust and hair and stuff from the house. Will this affect params at all or just dirty the water?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top