Light - canopy or suspended

[TriMax]

I have some new lights that i just got.

DO I:

1. Suspend from the ceiling - no contact with tank

2. Suspend from some sort of device that attaches to tank or stand

3. Place inside a canopy that sits on the tank?

Other suggestions are welcome.

Please give advantages and disadvantages for your choice!!

One hint - I am looking more for function than aesthetics

Thanks

 

[glb]

I have some new lights that i just got.

DO I:

1. Suspend from the ceiling - no contact with tank

2. Suspend from some sort of device that attaches to tank or stand

3. Place inside a canopy that sits on the tank?

Other suggestions are welcome.

Please give advantages and disadvantages for your choice!!

One hint - I am looking more for function than aesthetics

Thanks

It totally depends. I just lifted the lid of my nano above the tank to make room for equipment. Here were my pros and cons:

Pros on the tank:

More insulation from temp changes, less water evaporation

Cons on the tank:

Less 02 exchange, you have to watch the intensity because they're so close to the water, splash guard gets saltwater on it and needs to be cleaned constantly.

Pros above the tank:

More room for equipment if you don't have a sump, splash guard stays cleaner, easier to work on the tank

Cons above the tank:

More temp fluctuations due to open top, co2 problem can get worse if co2 is coming from house air (in my experience), more evaporation.

These are just my opinion. Hope it helps!

 

[Reefing Madness]

No reason to hang em from the ceiling. Put them in the canopy, the heat transfer from LED units is minimal. No reason to lose light all ove rthe room, and not pointing into the tank.

 

[TriMax]

It probably will help to know that my tank is 30 x 30 x 96. I have two large openings in the top and a 14" Plexiglas brace in the center. And, I am changing from MHs to LEDs. Why, evaporation mostly, cost of operation second and last - looks and growth. I hope I am most pleased by the looks and growth, of course.

:wink:

Thanks for the replies.

 

[glb]

It probably will help to know that my tank is 30 x 30 x 96. I have two large openings in the top and a 14" Plexiglas brace in the center. And, I am changing from MHs to LEDs. Why, evaporation mostly, cost of operation second and last - looks and growth. I hope I am most pleased by the looks and growth, of course.

:wink:

Thanks for the replies.

You'll really like the leds. They run a lot cooler. I switched over from cf bulbs and have been very happy.

 

[TriMax]

Thanks folks

I find it hard to believe that nobody else has an opinion. :wink:

 

[hawkinsrgk]

I put my lights on top of the canopy and really like the look

 

[TriMax]

hawkinsrgk

How did you get your feet in the tank and done of the rest of you? :nerd:, :nerd:,,:wink:

I like the look of a canopy. they just always seem to be in the way.

 

[CastAway]

I like my lights hung from the ceiling. They're out of the way, and don't impede access. Canopies can trap heat, and inhibit gas exchange. Most modern LED fixtures are slim and aesthetic anyway. Just my opinion.

 

[hawkinsrgk]

hawkinsrgk

How did you get your feet in the tank and done of the rest of you? :nerd:, :nerd:,,:wink:

I like the look of a canopy. they just always seem to be in the way.

Lol. I am horrible at taking pictures. I have taken so many pictures that show my reflection