MH mounting

[sjarea88]

Bought a tank 2nd hand 180 gallon came with light fixture that has 3 metal halide and 4 t5s. Plugging in only have 2 ballast that work. And one of the t5s ballast might be out since only 2 bulbs turn on. Was going to buy a cheap ballast.. but figured might as well buy a Chinese box.. and place in middle between MH.. can they mount at the same height? Figured as bulbs burn out I’ll replace with LED to have LED t5 combo

 

[Subsea]

Mounting lights will depend on fixtures. Just be careful with HOT metal halide bulbs.

How does fixture remove heat from MH lamps? Chinese fixtures remove heat from top of black box. Does lighting fixture allow that?

 

[sjarea88]

I see vents on top of the metal halide t5 fixture. Now my plan is to put tank in a built in cabinet.. plan on lining the inside with a plastic panel and caulking for moisture and mold prevention but being in closed will this cause a heat issue.. now my basement is typically 5-10 degrees lower then upstairs at 72-74 degrees. Just need to know should I just scrap metal halides. And buy 3 Chinese boxes.