Constellation and canopy cooling/ventilation

[Dano999]

Tom

I am setting up a 90g 48 X 18 X 25 with a canopy over the next few months. I like both the Solar Flare and the Constellation and believe the Constellation would work best due to the top mounted fans.

My LFS contacted Aquactinics today and was told the canopy would need holes drilled in the sides even with the Constellation model. The canopy is 8" tall (outside). It delivers tomorrow so I am assuming 7 1/2" from top of tank to inside top of canopy.

Can you please confirm if this is accurate.

Thanks

[Aquactinics]

Dano999,

Your LFS did contact us and I remember talking to him about this. Yes, you will still need to drill (small) holes on both ends of the canopy. Even though the Constellation exhaust fans are mounted on the top there still needs to be a place for the cool air to be drawn in from. That's why there are vent intake holes on both ends of the fixture. This allows for the maximum cooling of the fixture for peak performance. If you drill small holes (kinda match the pattern of the fixture) then you should be fine.

Thank you,

Tom
Aquactinics

[Dano999]

Tom

Thanks sounds simple enough. When you say " kinda match the pattern..." it looks like around 400 to 500 very small holes are in each side of the fixture. I assume you mean small holes in the canopy to open up the 1" X 14" area. It may be easier to put a 1" X 14" open slot vs drilling a lot of holes. Something I need to consider.

With this in mind if using the Solar Flare I guess we would be talking about two large holes to match the side ports. Would there be any other ventilation requirements with the Solar Flare?

With a 25" deep tank would the Constellation be adequate for SPS and clams?

Thanks

[Aquactinics]

Dano999,

I would have to go back and count but there's about 300+ vent holes on either side of the Constellation. What I mean by "kinda match the pattern" is drill roughly a dozen or so 3/4" - 1" holes across the 14" area. Your thought about cutting a 1" x 14" slot would be the best solution as it would maximize the airflow into the fixture. Just make sure the holes or slots match up with the location of the vent holes on the fixture.

As for the Solar Flare, yes two 80mm (3.15") holes on each end of the canopy to match the fixture vent holes would be the best. There would be no other needed ventilation requirements.

For a 25" deep tank either fixture would work very well for you. You should have no problems keeping SPS and clams under our Constellation series fixture.

Thank you,

Tom
Aquactinics

[Dano999]

Tom

Got the tank and stand today and was presented with another issue. Due to the supports for the canopy I only have an area of 12" x 48". The other area is only 47" long.

I am now looking at the MH/T5 Classic as an option.

Does this unit also need holes drilled in the side of the canopy. I could not find any pictures showing the ends to see if they included ventilation holes or fan openings.

Thanks for all your help.

Dano999

http://reefcentral.com/gallery/data/582/162691Canopy_3-med.jpg

[Dano999]

Tom

I found some pictures so I have my answer that holes still need to be drilled.

Another question though.

Will the TX5 be able to support SPS and clams? This would be installed on top of the tank. I am concerned about heat issues with the MH/T5.

Thanks

Dano999

[Aquactinics]

Dano999,

The TX5 will support SPS higher up in the tank without any problems. Clams too. As for the MH/T5 Classic fixtures you will not need to worry heating issues as long as there are vent holes on both ends of your canopy.

Thank you,

Tom
Aquactinics