Metal halide over glass cross brace

[Jwalker814]

So I'm in the mix of building a custom canopy for my 7'x2'x2' tank.
The tank has two glass cross braces divining the tank into 3. Well I'm going to run 2 400w MHs in the tank. While attempting to determine the reflector placement I actually cracked one of the braces. I have since replaced the and don't want to go trough that again.

I divided the tank into two, centering the reflectors at approximately 22" from either end. Well approximately 6" of the 10" brace will be over lapped with the light. However the bulb will be 5" from the glass. Glass is about .5" from water surface. Should I raise light and basically hang it from the canopy or would that be enough space? Glass is 3/8" thick

 

[Downbeach]

I once had a 3 x 250W MH fixture which had one of the lights at about 3" over the 18" center brace on a 180 (6x2x2)that was 1/2" thick, and never had a problem. Although with 400W and the placement of fans, etc. I would probably play it safe, and make it higher. With the 250W I was keeping Maxima Clams on the substrate, and a Haddon's carpet directly under the lamp, so I think you'll be fine elevating it.

 

[Jwalker814]

Yea I just powered them up for about 10 minutes periodically checking the glass. No fans just open top, I didn't like the feel of the glass so I'm gonna hang them and save for LED or trade for 3 250w or keep one for the center and get 2 250w for the outside edges