40B Hood with MH

[Snowboarda42]

So I think my next project will be to build a hood for my tank. It's a 40B, I really like the size and look of this tank. Its 36x18x16.

I want to make a hood for it, and upgrade the lighting while I'm at it. The lighting right now is 140W of T-5, and I keep SPS corals, which are doing awesome. But I want better coloring, faster growth, etc. Also, I have fish that have jumpy personalities, and I think this canopy might help out as well.

My dilemna right now is what MH to do. I want to split my 4 T-5 bulbs up (2 Actinic and 2 10K) by putting one set in front and the other in the rear. I will put the MH(s) in the center. I've read that you want a single MH per 2ft of tank length for the best light dispersal. Kinda tough since I have a 3 foot tank.

I've been looking at DIYREEF.COM IceCap 175W Retro Kits. Click Here

Should I do one in the center or two spaced out? And will having 2 MH's be too much lighting?
1 MH will end up being 175+140=315W/40=7.87W/Gallon with an 18" depth.
2 MH's will be 175+175+140=490W/40=12.25W/Gallon with the same tank depth.


Any Input?

 

[NaH2O]

Is this tank only SPS, or a mix?

 

[Snowboarda42]

I have 10 different SPS, 3 Colonies of Zoo's, Some GSP, Anthelia, Ricordea, Mushrooms, etc. So I would call it a mixture.

 

[DonW]

I'd opt for one good reflector and move the light up for a better spread along with using a 250w to make up the differnce in moving it up. Also keep heat in mind when designing your hood.

Don

 

[Snowboarda42]

I'd opt for one good reflector and move the light up for a better spread along with using a 250w to make up the differnce in moving it up. Also keep heat in mind when designing your hood.

Don

Thanks Don,

I was thinking about putting one or two fans on each end to help with heat dissapation. I have a few computer fans laying around too. I also have a 6" 120v fan that I don't know where I got. Works great too, maybe I'll use it...