DIY Canopy help

[cryptics]

I am setting up my first reef tank using a 90g. I was planning on trying to build the canopy myself. I am using a combo MH/PC combo light that will sit about 4'' over the tank. I will have the tank setup but empty this weekend to measure. I know canopy's are not ideal because of heat issues and such but I have 9 cats that would like nothing better than to go fishing or swimming

What I am looking for is if someone has plans/tips on how to build this. I am basically an idiot when it comes to building stuff but learning slowly but surely. Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

 

[strgazr27]

Do a search through my posts. You'll see a canopy I made for a 75/90 as well as my current canopy for my 65. 4" is AWFULLY close to the water for MH's. Besides the splashing your looking at a lot of heat transfer. You'll need 2 fans in the canopy or blowing over the tank at a minimum. You can PM me with any questions you may have.

 

[cryptics]

The Metal Halides are 150w so I think it should be ok. Heat may be an issue but I was considering putting in 2-3 computer fans on the sides of the canopy. The left blowing in and the right blowing out. The tank is in my office which is in the basement and unheated so hoping it won't be much of an issue. I am considering a chiller though. I never needed one on my fish only but I was just running PC's on that.

 

[strgazr27]

150's and a basement and you should be OK as far as heat goes. As far as a reef tank goes, 150's are going to have a chore penetrating that deep. You'll be good with softies and LPS but I think SPS's will need to be way up top if at all.

 

[cryptics]

That is what I am hearing. Since this is my first reef I was planning on sticking with softies and LPS at least in the beginning. I will upgrade the lights to a 250w when I get ready for sps.