Light Upgrade

[joseywhales]

I want to add to my existing light hood with a 175w metal halide retro fit. I have two aktinic blue 55w ant two 55w 12000k daylite compact. I can get the retro fit in my hood. This will increase my overall wattage to 385. I am sure that I will have to put fans in the hood to help keep things cool. I have a glass top under the hood to keep water from splashing on the reflector. Will two fans keep it cool enough? Here is a pic.

josey

 

[Triggerobsessed]

I would guess that two fans would be enough, but to be safe i would go with 4. btw nice tank

 

[Matthew5664]

What size fans? and whats the volume of space under the hood?

 

[joseywhales]

There is about four to five inches in between the lights and the glass. The total length and width is 30''X 18".

 

[Halfsleeve]

There is about four to five inches in between the lights and the glass. The total length and width is 30''X 18".

Bit small for a Tang.

 

[SkiFletch]

If the room is air conditioned in the summer, you can get away with 2 fans. If its not, 4 fans and remove the glass cover.

 

[joseywhales]

There is about four to five inches in between the lights and the glass. The total length and width is 30''X 18".

Bit small for a Tang.

The tank is a 58gal and he is doing well.

As for the glass top. I have a good bit of surface agitation and I was concerned that the salt would tarnish the reflector and hurt the lights. I guess the glass obstructs the light.

josey

 

[joseywhales]

Should I take the glass top off and expose the light to the salt?

 

[SkiFletch]

Should I take the glass top off and expose the light to the salt?

The problem becomes heat, not salt

 

[joseywhales]

I understand the problem is heat, but is the glass limiting my existing light enough to take it off? I want to maximize the amount of light I have till I upgrade. I also don't want to ruin the light reflector with salt.

 

[SkiFletch]

Ah, well a thin piece of glass without salt creep doesnt appreciably limit light output. If its covered in salt creep, that kills light.