OK, so the sump is ready to go for the new 90 and I'm working the plumbing this weekend. The big moment is upon me, I have to consider lighting (LED).
The 90 I'm building has a canopy. The canopy is part of the 'allowing the build in the kitchen deal'. So, it stays.
Currently I have 2 Mazarras on rails 16" or so above the waterline of my shallow reef. They easily disassemble for customizing so if I mount them in the canopy about 6-8" over the water it probably wont work out due to evaporation and splash in the semi-closed environment.
Q: If using a solid Oak canopy (on which I am reinforcing the mounts with aluminum), should I have a glass top on the tank itself? There seems to be mild alterations on the oak which leads me to believe the previous owner had it set over the tank without having a glass top. I've never owned a canopy before, so I'm unsure if the glass over the DT is an option or a necessity.
If it is a necessity, there's no further advice required, as, with a waterproof barrier (so to speak) in place, I'll simply stick with the Mazarras.
BUT! If the glass top is not a requirement, here are my options...
Option 1: Stick with Mazarras and place a glass cover over the tank anyway, then set the canopy on top with the Mazarras mounted inside.
Q: If I do this will the glass cover collect evaporation and mess up the light spectrum, PAR, or effect? Will the glass cause significant temperature concerns?
Option 2: I can sell the Mazarras and use the funds, plus a few bucks, to purchase something more watertight, possibly 2 AI Hydra 26s.
Q: Any advice on LEDs for this situation? Building is not an option. I'd need something rampable as I'm using a RK light and do not plan to upgrade, so lights must control themselves so to speak. Wireless control would be a nice option. LEDs should be able to withstand the environment in a canopy. And, I'm on a severe budget with a wife out of work and a baby on the way within 2 weeks.
Any thoughts or advice greatly appreciated.
M
The 90 I'm building has a canopy. The canopy is part of the 'allowing the build in the kitchen deal'. So, it stays.
Currently I have 2 Mazarras on rails 16" or so above the waterline of my shallow reef. They easily disassemble for customizing so if I mount them in the canopy about 6-8" over the water it probably wont work out due to evaporation and splash in the semi-closed environment.
Q: If using a solid Oak canopy (on which I am reinforcing the mounts with aluminum), should I have a glass top on the tank itself? There seems to be mild alterations on the oak which leads me to believe the previous owner had it set over the tank without having a glass top. I've never owned a canopy before, so I'm unsure if the glass over the DT is an option or a necessity.
If it is a necessity, there's no further advice required, as, with a waterproof barrier (so to speak) in place, I'll simply stick with the Mazarras.
BUT! If the glass top is not a requirement, here are my options...
Option 1: Stick with Mazarras and place a glass cover over the tank anyway, then set the canopy on top with the Mazarras mounted inside.
Q: If I do this will the glass cover collect evaporation and mess up the light spectrum, PAR, or effect? Will the glass cause significant temperature concerns?
Option 2: I can sell the Mazarras and use the funds, plus a few bucks, to purchase something more watertight, possibly 2 AI Hydra 26s.
Q: Any advice on LEDs for this situation? Building is not an option. I'd need something rampable as I'm using a RK light and do not plan to upgrade, so lights must control themselves so to speak. Wireless control would be a nice option. LEDs should be able to withstand the environment in a canopy. And, I'm on a severe budget with a wife out of work and a baby on the way within 2 weeks.
Any thoughts or advice greatly appreciated.
M
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