Leakytree Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Hello ARC, I've ran into bit of a snag on the 180 build. I am currently running 3x250w MH with cheap reflectors similar to these. I wanted to upgrade the lights without increasing energy consumption so I purchased some lumenbrite reflectors from Dave. Anyway, after getting them home I realized that there was no way to fit the new reflectors into my canopy. The canopy has a depth above the water of 8in and the reflectors are 10in. They are also a hair to wide, but I can use a hanger cable to bow the reflector so that's a easy fix. As for the height I have come up with a few options: 1. Stick with cheap reflectors. 2. Sit the reflectors on top of the canopy and cut a hole the diameter of the reflector opening. It will allow for some extra spray protection, but it could hamper light from fully entering into the tank. I would also paint the outside of the reflector black to blend in better. I would also have to mod the top to open differently. It won't look awful, but it's not the clean look I like. 3. Build a new canopy that would contain the entire setup with a full height of 14in. I'm sure I could build it, but I'm afraid it wouldn't have the clean finished look that I would prefer. Any plan suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated. 4. Buy smaller reflectors. The Hamiltonian are only 5in, but I haven't been able to find any of these used. Does anyone have any suggestions or know of anyone who can build a canopy for a decent price? Thanks Eddie Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FarmerTy Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 I would just cut the hole and put them on top. Those reflectors are amazing, shame not to use them. If you can get a canopy built for not too much, that would be ideal. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leakytree Posted March 25, 2014 Author Share Posted March 25, 2014 I would just cut the hole and put them on top. Those reflectors are amazing, shame not to use them. If you can get a canopy built for not too much, that would be ideal. Know anyone in the club who can make one? Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FarmerTy Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 If I did, my lights might not be sitting on bamboo sticks right now! Haha. I heard ct67stang is handy with the building skills. Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCAB Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Second on Ct67stang! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dustin Pedretti Posted March 25, 2014 Share Posted March 25, 2014 Third on Ct67stang Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leakytree Posted March 26, 2014 Author Share Posted March 26, 2014 I tried to message him, but it says he can't receive any pm's. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Veni Vidi Vici Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 Pictures of your hood would help. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dustin Pedretti Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 There's a picture on the first post showing what it would look like if he cut holes in the existing hood Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dustin Pedretti Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 I tried to message him, but it says he can't receive any pm's. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk I texted him...some times he's alittle hard to get ahold of though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Veni Vidi Vici Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 There's a picture on the first post showing what it would look like if he cut holes in the existing hood Yeah i saw that .... If the hood needs to be raised a min of 2" you may be able to achieve that with a simple trim addition with a 2" rise, but I couldnt really give a suggestion from that photo. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dustin Pedretti Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 Ahh I gotcha...I was kinda thinking the same thing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
+reeflover Posted March 27, 2014 Share Posted March 27, 2014 How about option 5 Modify the canopy by adding more wood on all 4 sides to raise it higher. Wouldn't it be prettier than cut a hole and dont have to build new one? Off course you have to paint it or stain it to match. It wouldnt be that much to do since you only add few inches of wood to the existing canopy. Just my 2 cents. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leakytree Posted March 28, 2014 Author Share Posted March 28, 2014 I'm not at home or I would post some pics. I considered adding an extra piece at the bottom, however I would be adding almost a foot to the canopy and I'm not sure it would look right. Still looking for someone who can help make a canopy. Not looking for a handout, so hit me with a pm if your interested. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SHALAKO Posted April 29, 2014 Share Posted April 29, 2014 What are the dimensions of your canopy, I have a rather tall canopy I am going to get rid of that is sitting on a 125 gallon, its about 10 inches tall, may be 11 inches...? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leakytree Posted April 29, 2014 Author Share Posted April 29, 2014 72x18in. P Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SHALAKO Posted April 30, 2014 Share Posted April 30, 2014 I think I sent 2 PMs, did u get them? Not sure what happened to our discussion...? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leakytree Posted April 30, 2014 Author Share Posted April 30, 2014 I sent a couple of pms as well and it dropped off. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SHALAKO Posted April 30, 2014 Share Posted April 30, 2014 The LEDs were special ordered from LED Lighting Solutions, through a co-worker's brother who lives in China...my ph number is 512-61nine-8x8=64 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SHALAKO Posted April 30, 2014 Share Posted April 30, 2014 I must have accidently deleted them, I am still learning the software for ARC. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SHALAKO Posted May 1, 2014 Share Posted May 1, 2014 I will sell the 78.37" long X 18.25" deep X 7.75" high canopy with the complete 4X5 foot long VHO setup for $150. Please let me know if you are still interested. If not, I will progress towards listing it for sale. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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