Lighting Question....Need Help!!!

I have upgraded to a 180 gal tank from a 75 gal. I had a 4 ft Outer orbit metal halide light fixture (has 2 150W metal halides) on it. Currently I have the light centered on my 180. The problem is centering it onto the tank partly blocks the light because the center supports are directly in the way. (I have a glass tank) I am wanting to add another 150W light to the system and have the lights spread out at 1, 3, and 5 ft on the tank. (I just don't have the money now to buy a whole new 6 ft fixture) However, I don't want to have to look on the tank and see a 4 ft fixture and a 2 ft one. My question is........can I just build a canopy and hang the 4ft fixture from the inside and then simply buy a retro fit 150W metal halide light and put on the other?

On all the DIY Canopies I have looked at, they all use retro fit systems and I have never seen if it is possible or not to put an enclosed fixture inside a canopy plus one retro fit light like I am thinking.

Thoughts and ideas would be greatly appreciated!!!! I am going to try building this weekend.

 

Of course it's possible. You just have to build the canopy tall enough so the halides aren't so close to the water surface.

 

How far are MH supposed to be from the surface of the water?

Also would I need to add an additional fan to help cover the increased heat of the metal halide fixture now being enclosed in a canopy as well?

 

Well to be honest, my opinion is that 3 150w halides over a 180 isn't enough. You should go to at least 250w. But I guess that also depends on what you want to keep.

I've always had success keeping the halides at least 5 or 6 inches from the surface.

Yes, additional fans would be necessary.

 

Thanks for all the information!!!

 

Brandon is right you will need more powerful lighting, 6" is pretty good do your lights have splash protection?

 

The fixture does have glass protecting the bulbs. Also my tank has glass tops on it. When I build the canopy I was going to remove the glass tops (have to have them now in order to let the light stay on the tank).

I may have to leave one top on to protect a retro fitted bulb??????

 

I don't have metal haliodes instead I have retrofit T5's in a 15" high canopy and I built a slide shelf out of 1"x4" hardwood. This might give you an idea on what you can do. Good luck. BTW I have a 4' and a 2' fixture as I moved from a 120g to a 180g. Do make sure there is going to be enough room for both fixtures. You may be best served if you go this root to get a single MH fixture without the encasement. This way it should fit. In other words don't buy a 24" fixture because it won't fit.

 

thats a great idea!!! I like the shelf design. Thanks!!!!

 

if you intend to sell the 4' dual halide setup let me know.... i have a 75gal that im in the market for new lights for.