Tank hood/ lighting

[Dieselbreath]

Currently I'm running 4 48" vho's, but plan to install 2 250w M/H's. The issue that I have in question is do you think that it would be a problem if I closed off the back of the hood in order to eliminate all the light from coming reflecting out of the back of the hood. I currently have 2 fans in the hood one on either end of the stand, one pushing and the other pulling.

Looking for input,

Jason

 

[mfinn]

I would not close the back. That would help trap heat even with the fans.
I have eggcrate over the back to stop fish from jumping. That might stop some light from reflecting out. What light that does come out isn't a problem.

 

[NaH2O]

I have my canopy closed up, but there are 2 fans in the back blowing out. The top of the canopy is has a number of 4" holes drilled, and also 2 more fans. I think the decision on whether heat may be a problem is how the temperatures get in the summer where you are (hot and humid here). We have central air running all summer, and I have a small chiller (esp for my size system), so heat isn't as much as a concern for me.

 

[Dieselbreath]

I'm in the seattle area. I turned the fans on today for about an hour, and the temp dropped rapidly according to my infrared temp. gun. The whole idea would be just to keep the light within the hood otherwise it gets so brite in the room in the afternoon early evening.

Jason

 

[gbr]

Hey Jason, that hood as you know used to have 250's in it and temperature was not much of a problem for the guy who owned it. He did have AC in his house though which helped in the summer months. Tough call but as long as you make the cover removable, with some kind of thumb screw maybe, I would go for it. Those fans move a lot of air.

 

[Dieselbreath]

Thanks Gbr,

I have spent many hours removing the old paint and sanding the surface smooth. I think that I will be enclosing the back in, now I just have to decide how I will do it, and still be removed if needed.

Jason