How hot does 1000W of VHO get?

[weinie]

I can squeeze it into a 72 x 24 x 7 inch canopy but will it get too hot? Should I get it built 5 inches taller and with holes for fans and ventilation?

The tank is an 150 gal acrylic 72 inches long.

Thanks

 

[Len]

Taller and fans is definitely a good idea. 1000W of VHOs is pretty hot. If size isn't critical, definitely get the taller canopy, which will afford better cooling and more flexibility in the future.

 

[weinie]

Thanks Len. Would you mind if I ask you 1 more thing?

I have the option to order the 150 gal tank drilled w/ either 1/2 inch or 3/4 inch returns. (2 of them). Is it better to go with the larger? Also, I have the option of 1 or 2 one inch drains? Go with 2?

I'm sure the size pump i get depends on the above. Any recommendations?

Okay so its more than 1 thing. hehehe

thanks again.

 

[Len]

Ask away. That's what the forums are here for

Go with the 3/4" returns. For a tank that size, 1/2" will not carry enough water unless you plan on multiple in-tank pumps/powerheads. 3/4", like a taller canopy, will give you far greater flexibility. One drain is sufficient. If you think you'll be using more flow, a 1 1/4" to 1 1/2" drain would be a good idea. The reason to go one drain versus two is if you plan on using a durso-style overflow in the future (to quiet down the noise), two drains are very hard to get them working right together.

I highly recommend Iwakis, and I recommend two pumps versus one. Pump redundancy is a good idea in case of failure, but to be honest, Iwakis are workhorses and very reliable. If it's just for circulation, two Iwaki MD30RLXT or MD30LRT would be great.

 

[weinie]

Since I found out the canopy can be made 12" tall (as oppossed to 7") and drilled with vent holes for fans, can i do a MH retrofit? Will it still get too hot? I dont want to melt acrylic nor do i want to spring for a chiller.
I was thinking something along the lines like:

72" 3x175W 6500K
2-96 W Actinic Bulbs

 

[ChrisRD]

If the tank is going to be in a room that's climate controlled you should be able to control temps with fans in a well ventilated hood. You may also need a fan over the sump to increase evaporation (and therefore cooling).

If the dimensions/locations of the openings in the top of the tank allow for it - 3 halide lamps is the most common configuration for a tank that length.

Personally I would go with 250s with a tank that deep, but if you have no interest in higher light corals and anemones, 175s would be fine. Just keep the higher light stuff near the top.

As for actinics - I prefer the look of VHO actinics over PCs, but that's JMO...

HTH