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Slickzxz9
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UPDATE!!
Going well! The hood was a challenge. We didn’t want an open top but we didn’t want a super tall hood so we got the low profile hood (10 inch). That presented some challenges. I have 3 Radion G6’s that need should be 8-10 inches above the water (challenge #1). The only way to get the most out of the the distance was to mount the rail with the lights directly to the hood. I also wanted a way to have the lid support itself when opened (challenge #2) so I got 2 gas adjustable struts and did some engineering and got them installed. As soon as I installed and started adjusting them, 6 of the 8 screws on the hinges pulled right out of the back of the lid (challenge #3). They were only 1/2 inch screws and they couldn’t handle the force. So I drilled pilot holes and installed 1 1/2 inch screws into the hinges. After that, the other attachment areas of the lid design started to show weakness (challenge #4). So I had to attached metal braces along back side of the hood assembly. Finally after all that was done, I was able to adjust the struts to the perfect pressure. Then thinking about heat displacement for the lights (challenge #5). I‘m not sure if the lights will get hot being in a closed hood but I wanted to be sure. I added 2 usb fans from another project and wired them to be on whenever the lights are on to push the heat out of the back opening in the hood. The result is a fully functioning lid that can support itself halfway, fully open or anywhere in between and cool the lights if needed.
Going well! The hood was a challenge. We didn’t want an open top but we didn’t want a super tall hood so we got the low profile hood (10 inch). That presented some challenges. I have 3 Radion G6’s that need should be 8-10 inches above the water (challenge #1). The only way to get the most out of the the distance was to mount the rail with the lights directly to the hood. I also wanted a way to have the lid support itself when opened (challenge #2) so I got 2 gas adjustable struts and did some engineering and got them installed. As soon as I installed and started adjusting them, 6 of the 8 screws on the hinges pulled right out of the back of the lid (challenge #3). They were only 1/2 inch screws and they couldn’t handle the force. So I drilled pilot holes and installed 1 1/2 inch screws into the hinges. After that, the other attachment areas of the lid design started to show weakness (challenge #4). So I had to attached metal braces along back side of the hood assembly. Finally after all that was done, I was able to adjust the struts to the perfect pressure. Then thinking about heat displacement for the lights (challenge #5). I‘m not sure if the lights will get hot being in a closed hood but I wanted to be sure. I added 2 usb fans from another project and wired them to be on whenever the lights are on to push the heat out of the back opening in the hood. The result is a fully functioning lid that can support itself halfway, fully open or anywhere in between and cool the lights if needed.
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Slickzxz9
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All done! (For now). Finished plumbing, lights, scape and electronics. Cycling and waiting for the "uglies" to get through that and on to better things! Thanks for ALL of the comments and recommendations!
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Slickzxz9
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So, stocking plan….
currently have 2 clowns, purple dottyback, Sixline Wrasse and Diamond Goby. That’s all for now. I wanted the clowns and dotty back to start. Then thought about the Sixline to help with pests when they arrive, and the Goby to take care of the sand. All still healthy and thriving. The next will be some snails to help with the uglies, and “maybe” a Coral Beauty or Fox Face. That may be several weeks (or more) away. I definitely want some tangs when my hair algae shows up but that is entirely a different conversation.
