best way to set-up actinic advice

[t4zalews]

Building this canopy is becoming more of a brain teaser than I originally expected. I have two scenarios that I am thinking about and would like to figure out which one is better.

The question regards the set-up of the actinic lights. I will be only using them for the actinic looks that the light gives the coral..I am not concerned with PAR values because I am running a 400w radium.

Scenario #1:
My dad's suggestion. Have the lights mounted straight to the top of the canopy. Advantages: gives me more clearance for tank management and will provide more room when opening the front doors. Disadvantages: I feel that the "actinic" effect will be less because of the lumenarc reflector being in the way.

the tank view:
http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt350/t4zalews/IMG_0453.jpg

view from the side:
http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt350/t4zalews/IMG_0454.jpg

Scenario #2:
What I was thinking. Mount the lights slightly under the lumenarc and angle the reflectors so that the full tank will recieve direct actinic lighting. Advantages: Full DIRECT actinic exposure to the whole tank. Disadvantages: Will reduce room from front access if I need to get my hands in the tank.

the tank view:
http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt350/t4zalews/IMG_0456.jpg

view from the side:
http://i626.photobucket.com/albums/tt350/t4zalews/IMG_0457.jpg
* remember the T5 reflectors will be angled...were flat for picture purposes

The tank is 36x18. In a perfect world the lumenarc and T5s will be right next to each other back to front but the 18" is limiting. I will not be using two halides because I already have the 400w and has been working great on the tank.

So which scenario will provide a better "actinic effect"?

Side question: Was only planning on using one 4.5 in fan for circulation. Pushes about 90 Cfm...any advice?

[AtlantaReefer]

Are those the only reflectors you are considering. If you were to go with a different reflector, then you could mount your antinics underneath those reflectors. But if you have to use what you have, I say the first one would be better. you would lose some antinic effect, but better to have room to work. 400 whats will be plenty. As far as fan, need to know how far off water will lights be. Is canopy open top, open back, closed. That is the biggest factors on how many fans you need. I have a canopy and retrofit being built as we speak. It will be open top (except for strip to mount lights.) and open back. It will be 18 inches tall, so lights about 16 inches off top. I will have 2 four inch fans. I will be running 2x250 watt SE with 20 k radium bulbs. For antinics still up in the air between using 2x110 super antinic vho (which I currently have) or 2x 54 what t5. Not sure yet will try both.

[t4zalews]

I plan on running the lights about 12 inches from bulb to water. So I'm planning on building the canopy 16 inches tall. The top will have slits in it and there will be a vent on the opposite end of the fan. All sides will be closed except the back that will have some holes cut into it to allow return/overflow. I guess I could make the canopy 2 inches taller.

Thanks for the input...does anyone else think that scenario #1 is a better choice? how much do you think that set-up would hinder the actinic lighting?

[t4zalews]

morning bump

[mordibv]

Use some angle iron . The light aluminum stuff . The idea is to make a light rack . U can sit ur reflector in the middle sitting on the rails . U can mount ur t5 socket mounts on the bottom of the L so they don't get too much in the way of the reflector .

Like a buddy of mine did . Build the canopy high enough so u can hang it as close as poss with the reflector having a gap between the hood for ventalation .

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1720821

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