i added a single 250w metal halide bulb to my hood and i'm a little concerned that the VHO actinic bulbs may be too close to the metal halide. they are about 2-3" from the metal halide bulb. should i be concerned about the heat affecting the vhos?
I'd be concerned for sure. I think that's too close. Those MH's get much hotter than the VHOs and could cause a problem. I'm building my own canopy right now and that was my biggest concern.
If you can get a piece of 1/2" plywood between the bulbs you should be fine.
Actually in reality it is a non-issue. 2-3" is just fine especially if you have a fan built-in for cooling. Almost every factory built setup is built that way. I wouldn't worry about it.
