custom hood

runningreefer · Jan 22, 2014

so am in the process of drawing up plans to start my 40g breeder with custom stand and hood but i am kinda struggling on ideas for the hood. anyone have any secrets, tricks, ideas they used for their hood. i am struggling with how to place the lights and ballasts. i dont wanna really see the ballasts but know i cant completely box them in due to heat build up. so looking for suggestions on build ideas.

rhino56 · Jan 22, 2014

make it a hanging hood

runningreefer said:
so am in the process of drawing up plans to start my 40g breeder with custom stand and hood but i am kinda struggling on ideas for the hood. anyone have any secrets, tricks, ideas they used for their hood. i am struggling with how to place the lights and ballasts. i dont wanna really see the ballasts but know i cant completely box them in due to heat build up. so looking for suggestions on build ideas.

Reefing Madness · Jan 22, 2014

You remote the ballasts to under the tank.

runningreefer · Jan 22, 2014

Unfortunately they are pre wired ballasts and the wires arent that long

Reefing Madness · Jan 22, 2014

Rewire them. :wink:
I've got a 250w Halide in my canopy, the ballast is under the stand. Go to Lowes and get an extension cord, one long enough for your needs. Splice the cord into the exsising plug you have.

runningreefer · Jan 22, 2014

My problem is the length from fixture to ballast not necessarily ballast to plug. I guess it's worth a look into but me and electricity have NEVER EVER gotten along. He doesn't play fair.

Trevdawg · Jan 31, 2014

I'm building one this weekend. I will take pics and show you/ steps, etc.

runningreefer · Jan 31, 2014

Awesome. I've started my stand build but still haven't decided specific size for my canopy. What kind of lights are you going to have? Thinking I am going to dive into the led world instead of using my t5. But unsure of height for either to be honest.

joekool · Jan 31, 2014

I would build it with three sides and open back with a 2/3 hinged top and light enough to take off for maintenance. Poplar is a light wood that is strong and you can get it at hd or cabinet supply shop.