Plastic support bracket

[jenajet]

Have heard that mh lighting can melt the plastic? Is this just if the light is sat right on top of it? Planning to suspend canopy from ceiling so it wont be right on top of the tank.

[zxcv123]

I would say only if the plastic is in contact or very close to the lighting.

[Fly Guy]

Where is the plastic you are talking about in relation to the light.....a reflector should deal with this...it helpos reflect more light back down as well as blocks the heat

[Twitterbait]

as long as the plastic is 8" or so from the light or has a reflector between the light and the plastic.

[jenajet]

Planning on converting one of my 55's and has stock no florescents. Figured I would ditch the stock lighting and suspend some mh or T5's. I know cant take that bracket off.

[PowerManJ316]

If you're referring to the center bracket, you don't want to take it off. It actually does provide support when the tank is full. I would think if the lights are about 6+" you'll be fine. Geoff and myself have actually replaced this brown center bracket with clear acrylic ones we made so that more light can pass through. Check out my build thread or Geoff's website. I used 3/8" polycarbonate and I have my MH about 4-6" without any problems. It gets hot, but no problems. Let me know if you need any pics.