Lighting under canopy

Wayne · #1 09-15-2011, 12:39 AM

What do you guys with canopys do for lighting, fixtures or retro-fit kits?

I was in the process of gutting a fixture and building bracketry to fit it under my canopy but lord is it time consuming. I am just wondering if theres a better way

Myka · #2 09-15-2011, 12:44 AM

I'm using PFO pendants for reflectors. I just screwed through them into the top of the canopy (the reflectors are mounted into the pendants with screws, take them out and you can screw through the reflector and pendant without making any new holes). I use Tek retrofit kit for T5 supplementals.

Aquattro · #3 09-15-2011, 12:46 AM

Lumenarc reflectors screwed into the top of the canopy.

Wayne · #4 09-15-2011, 01:01 AM

Do you guys have fans in your canopys with the MH?

Myka · #5 09-15-2011, 01:08 AM

I use Jebo fans. They are cheap, so when they get all gummed up with salt creep a person doesn't get too excited about it.

They come in 2, 4, and 6 fan. Move lots of air. Really good buy imo. My canopy is open in the back and the fans are clipped on the back rim and blow down on the water. I can feel the air movement coming out the top of the front of the canopy. One 4-fan makes a 3 degree difference on my tank. The Jebo fans can be taken right apart to clean too.

mark · #6 09-15-2011, 01:10 AM

also running PFO pendants under a canopy using some phenolic sheet to stand the pendants and T5 reflectors off the wood for a thermal break but basically lights are just screwed in.

One side of the canopy I'm blowing air up from the basement and a small fan blowing out on the other.

Parker · #7 09-15-2011, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aquattro

Lumenarc reflectors screwed into the top of the canopy.

400's right? No heat issues with the reflectors right against the wood?

ponokareefer · #8 09-15-2011, 02:04 AM

I have a Coralife Aqualight Pro 48" 150W MH fixture on legs under my canopy. I have eurobracing that the legs sit on. I just installed 3 fans from newegg.ca to my canopy to get the heat down.

Aquattro · #9 09-15-2011, 02:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Parker

400's right? No heat issues with the reflectors right against the wood?

Right, and no. I've run this setup for years. 10hr light cycle with 1/2 painted ply. Some slight staining after a few years at best..

Aquattro · #10 09-15-2011, 02:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne

Do you guys have fans in your canopys with the MH?

Yes, I have 2 4" fans blowing in and one exhausting. Just high output computer fans, maybe 50CFM?