MH installation question?

NM reef · 03-14-2004, 09:24 PM

Not for my display but for a individual that wants to install a lighting upgrade on a 220 display currently running a Icecap 660 with 3x140 URI VHO's. The canopy is barely 8" tall and after the PFO Dual 400 watt ushios are installed the bulbs are about 3" max above the water surface. My question is if he were to install glass tops like those that normally come with new aquariums will there be issues related to the glass tops breaking due to heat and moisture? In other words can the 400 watt bulbs be that close to the water surface with a glass cover between the bulb and the water surface? Without major issues? I'm in no way experienced enough to decide if this is a resonable course of action and would appreciate any comment positive and/or negative. Thanks in advance for your time.

Rick O · 03-14-2004, 09:56 PM

The glass is going to get very hot. If some tank water were to accidentially splash on the glass it may break. Why not just leave the glass tops off?

BTW, welcome to The Reef Tank.

NM reef · 03-14-2004, 10:10 PM

Thanks for the welcome...I've been in the shadows for a very long time.

The reason I was considering glass covers(at least partially covering the top directly under the lamps) was to prevent splash from hitting the bulbs. Isn't there a real potential for damage to the bulbs that close to the water? There will be at least 4 fans installed to remove heat(probably 4-4" PFO fans)...do you think the heat will be high enough to potentially cause damage to the glass covers and/or bulbs that close to the surface?

On my reef its not a issue I need to concen myself with...mine are about 8" above the surface...but I do have concerns about the mentioned installation on another persons reef. Thanks for the input.

Doug1 · 03-14-2004, 10:17 PM

any way to build a riser thingy for the present canopy

(B)reef Encounter · 03-14-2004, 11:23 PM

With the bulbs that close to the water you run the risk of having them explode when the water splashes on them. The glass would be safer, but IMO it's also way to close to the surface. Dougs' suggestion of adding a riser is the way to go.

Jimbo · 03-15-2004, 01:53 AM

Even with fans, light intensity hitting the glass will get it very hot. I have my 400 watt bulb 12" away from the water and when I put a piece of glass on it still gets very hot. The only real solution as others have said is to move the lights up.