Combo t5 / hydra 26 hd installation

[Sgolden]

I purchased the AL 4ft t5 fixture, adding 4 hydra 26hd to go on my 5ft 150 tank.
I have an existing solid wood canopy / hood that is about 12" off the water. I'm checking what others have done in a retro.
1) I could eliminated the cherry top all together.
2) drill vent holes for each hydra fan so I could mount direct to top of the existing canopy.
3) cut a large square off the exist canopy top so I could raise the new fixture higher if needed.
4) lower the new fixture to about 8" off water giving about 2" of space between top of new fixture and canopy lid. A bit worried about this being too close to water level judging by what others have done would be the lowest but no allowance to raise if needed without implementing one of the above options.

Am worrying about the new fixture being able to breathe / over heat .
I've all ready re oriented the new t5 fixture so both cords are on one side. I also fabricated 1/8" longer end brackets to allow a front to back hydra 26 install.

I'll send attach pictures soon.

 

[Kyl]

My lights are 8.5" from the water line, only a few random specs of spray on the reflectors, you should be fine at that height. If really worried about the T5's heating up the canopy, what about putting an exhaust fan or two blowing out of the canopy?

 

[Sgolden]

My lights are 8.5" from the water line, only a few random specs of spray on the reflectors, you should be fine at that height. If really worried about the T5's heating up the canopy, what about putting an exhaust fan or two blowing out of the canopy?

For sure I'll have at least a couple fans. I'm more worried about the fixture heating up more that any structure around it. I've heard that there may be a better light spread at a higher mounting position. But, I could just run them with a slightly lower intensity. I've heard that at 8" some bleaching has occured.

 

[Kyl]

The aluminum housings do get warm as they act like a giant heat sink, no doubt about that. Mine being mostly open-air I haven't found any cause for concern. Being canopy bound with a couple exhaust fans you shouldn't have much to worry about. I'm running mine for five hours a day right now (increasing roughly an hour every two weeks), so far I've only seen positives in terms of coral response.

 

[SDboatguy]

Eliminatinate the top and hang the new fixture, gives you flexibility raising or lowering the lights. I retro fit my hydras into the canopy and cut out rectangles almost as big as the hydras. I also run T5 s in front and behind the hydras and have 2 small fans on the lable end of the bulbs. Works pretty good but I wish I could raise the hydras 4-5 inches

 

[Jet915]

I got a sunblaster t5 fixture and scewed into my canopy in between two orbit leds. i added a ati coral blue light. getting nice softy and lps growth, just started with some sps...the back of the canopy is open so i dont have a fan, its warm inside so im not sure if its killing the fixture but i have a chiller so i dont have to worry about tank temp.

 

[Sgolden]

 

[Sgolden]

 

[Sgolden]

 

[Sgolden]

 

[Sgolden]

Hydra hd26 9:30 - 8:30 w/ 2hr ramp . Presently in acclimation mode it why slightly dark in the pics .

B+, A , B+, A 12:00 - 4:00

My first t5 or led. Previously was t12 / 3 250 w mh

 

[Sgolden]

Measures at 8 1/2” off water. There are 2” of space top to bottom of canopy lid. I have 2 fans blowing in at angles. The fans are a must, when t5 turn on it gets hot.

 

[mknightryder]

Man that came out pretty dang slick! My floating canopy has worked great for me. I don't like having to fight canopy doors or sides when trying to stir around in the tank with tongs or my arms. Lol. I use a small rope ratchet to pull the entire canopy up on a 45*, so I can have full access to the tank. If you suspend your light rack from the ceiling then this trick might help u with maintenance as well...
I added some fans, but i don't think they're necessary. And I still use DIY screen tops to keep jumpers in check.

 

[Donsreef]

Remove the top of the canopy for open air top and hang lights