DIY Canopy

[gpaaib]

I want to begin designing a canopy for my new tank and would like to get a few suggestions from those in the know.

It will be topping a 90g 48"x18" acrylic tank.

One question I have is....... I will be using a dual fixture lighting hood. Should I be concerned about how far away the actual bulbs are from the top of the tank?

Also, is some sort of vent fan necessary or will an open back be enough ventilation?

Anything else I should be taking into consideration?

Thanks,

Gary

 

[loaches r cool]

Should I be concerned about how far away the actual bulbs are from the top of the tank?

Depends... if your growing plants usually the closer the lights are the more intense the light will be. Depending on your reflector though sometimes raising it will give a more even spread. You'll have to experiment. Not much of an issue though unless your growing plants.

Also, is some sort of vent fan necessary or will an open back be enough ventilation?

Depends what kind of light it is and what kind of wattage were talking about. A dual 250Wx2 metal halide fixture is going to take some forced ventilation. A dual 32W T8 flourescent fixture would more than likely be fine with no forced air and just open back.