Aqua Medic HQI Spacing Question

[bluespotjawfish]

I have three Aqua Medic HQI's for my 6' long 125 gallon tank that I am in the process of installing in a new canopy. How should I space these? The one in the middle will be a 250w, the two on the ends will be 150s. They are each about 11" long. I'm thinking of placing the 150s about 12" from either side of the 250. That would mean that there would be about 7-1/2" on the other side of the 150s. My VHOs are 5' (not 6') so don't know if that will make a difference in how I space the MHs.

Thx!

[DaBird]

I don't see anything wrong with your plan ...sounds great!

[bluespotjawfish]

Thanks! Tried to karma you but I guess I have to share.

[murkywaters]

The only thing I can see that may need addressed is venting and fans. Here's a link that talks about it.

Lighting in Your Aquarium: Systems and Bulbs

[bluespotjawfish]

I have two fans planned for the canopy (Aqualight 4.75"). If all goes as planned, they will hang from eyelet screws and wire at the back of the canopy between the 150s and 250. I also run a fan that sits to the side of the tank and blows across the back of the entire system, and have another inside the stand that only turns on with the temp goes over 78.7. I'm a bit worried about where I should place the ballasts to reduce the potential heat from them. Don't want them in the stand, and I'm not sure where/how they would fit behind the tank (anywhere behind the tank has the potential of getting wet) and what kind of ventilation I can get there. At least they have built in fans. Maybe I could attach them to the side of the stand. Not sure the cords are going to be long enough for that. How noisy are they? And why do they make the cords so short! And why do I have such a collection of cords behind my tank.... I'd better get some sleep so I can dream up a solution. I'm going to have nightmares about my cords!

[murkywaters]

LOL we have the same thing going. cords everywhere. You think a hobby that involves so much water would have less electrical cords.

[mps9506]

Originally Posted by bluespotjawfish

I'm a bit worried about where I should place the ballasts to reduce the potential heat from them. Don't want them in the stand, and I'm not sure where/how they would fit behind the tank (anywhere behind the tank has the potential of getting wet) and what kind of ventilation I can get there. At least they have built in fans. Maybe I could attach them to the side of the stand. Not sure the cords are going to be long enough for that. How noisy are they? And why do they make the cords so short! And why do I have such a collection of cords behind my tank.... I'd better get some sleep so I can dream up a solution. I'm going to have nightmares about my cords!

Please don't install the ballasts on the outside of the stand, there is too much potential for water to get on them and do serious damage. If you cannot extend the cords (I think 12 or 14awg power cord works well if I remember correctly) then perhaps a small shelf above the water level would work well.
Also PVC works great for keeping wiring neat and routing it to where it should go. In fact you can purchase PVC specifically for this purpose at the Lowes or HD that is colored differently so it isn't confused with the PVC that has water in it.

[bluespotjawfish]

Thanks. Good thinking I think I might see if I can find a cheap cabinet (like the ones they use to organize closets) for them to sit on and that I could also hide my autotop container in. I just sat the farthest one up on my existing canopy where it will likely need to go and it looks like it will work. Great idea on the pvc.

[mps9506]

And if the PVC isn't doable, the wire looms at automotive stores work great. It's a flexible plastic that wraps around the wires and keeps them neat for automotive wiring. And if push comes to shove, zip ties are up there with duct tape as mans best friend.

[bluespotjawfish]

I got a ton of different options at the store today. Some of the twisty stuff, some split, tiewraps, hooky attachers...

Oh, I have the 250 installed. I can't believe this doesn't come with any instructions! I put the outside reflector shield on, is that what I should have done?

Slight hangup, the 150s are shorter than I calculated. So, with 12 inch spacing between them and the 250s (23 inches center to center), that leaves about 8-1/2" of tank to cover on the other side (or 13 inches from center of lamp). Should I modify the plan to 24 inches center to center and 12 inches from center to outside?

[michael_cb_125]

Yay.. ZIP TIES

[cioutlaw]

I think I would do 24" centers. I believe most MH reflectors are made to cover a 2x2 area each. Maybe place your high light needing corals in the center 2ft area.

As far as instructions for the 250 lamp, yes you should have a glass shield for UV rays.

The idea of using PVC for looms is a great idea. I used PVC electrical outlet boxes in my stand & ran all PVC conduit to keep it all neat & water proof.

[lcstorc]

Be sure to have drip loops in all of your cords in case they get wet. Also raise the ballasts up somehow to avoid them getting wet and allow better air circulation around the ballasts.

[bluespotjawfish]

Thanks, I think you are right about the 2' coverage. Sorry, I wasn't asking about the glass shield....External to the unit there are some reflector panels (that aren't attached when you get them). I think it is to shield the light from the sides so the whole room doesn't illuminate and if you look at the tank, you don't get an eyeful of MHs. I just don't want them to block too much light. Maybe I could use them for the back but not the front? I think I'll call the lfs who sold these to me and see what they recommend. They don't just slide in, you have to unscrew the unit to put them in, so I want to get that right the first time.

Zippy yippee! I figure whatever of these cord organizer things I end up not using on the tank can be used to tame the computer cords. These ballasts are ugly BTW. I hate to have them sitting front and center in my living room. I just can't figure out what to set them on...a book shelf...wire baskets... Oh well, don't need to solve that today. Two of them can sit on my topoff container for now (which also looks silly as furniture in the front room).

[mps9506]

Originally Posted by bluespotjawfish

Two of them can sit on my topoff container for now (which also looks silly as furniture in the front room).

Better than the 32 gallon brute trash can I had as a top off container in my college apartment. Although I guess it matched the decor of the typical college pad. Just glad my roomates never filled it with ice and put a keg in there.