Canopy Question

Snausy · 06/19/2013, 09:46 PM

I just made a new canopy to house my new LED fixtures for my 300g.

It's ALMOST totally enclosed other than a 1" slit along the bottom back. Yes there is a roof that sits on top of the sliding light-rack so the roof is not open.

My question is: DO I NEED TO INSTALL FANS?

How important is it for me to install a fan or two in the canopy? In the summer I can put a regular fan in there pointing at the surface for evaporation cooling but for the rest of the year is it necessary?

The LED's are relatively cool and like I said there is a nice 8 foot/1" gap along the back bottom. You can't see the gap in the pics because I'm actually gluing this to an existing crown-molding top already on the tank. It has a gap to allow for 1" returns to come up and over the back of the tank.

I've never had a canopy so I don't know the answer. Even with my old T-5 the answer would be "of course you add fans"...but I'm not sure.

One thought I had was worry about humidity building up in there and somehow screwing with my light fixtures. Is that a concern?

Any input would be appreciated.

fishgate · 06/20/2013, 06:54 AM

I suggest getting one of those thermometers with the probe and let it run and see how hot it gets.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...9&pcatid=12089

redfishblewfish · 06/20/2013, 12:42 PM

I will guarantee that you’ll have to put on fan(s). I built a closed canopy with the light fixture on the outside of the canopy. With the light fixture on the outside, the inside still got too hot and this is even after putting in six passive vents. I haven’t put a fan in yet, but it’s planned. For the time being I’m leaving one of the doors open to keep it cool.

And by the way, nice looking canopy.

mrbee2828 · 06/20/2013, 02:21 PM

Canopy looks amazing. Great woodwork. Depending on the size of the vents you plan on having you will probably need fans. Looks like you are going to have a lot of LEDs under this thing. Again, amazing work here.

Snausy · 06/21/2013, 04:33 PM

See this is why I post questions here. Great answers. Thanks guys...*Browsing Newegg for a nice casefan*

It would be nice if I could get one with a standard AC plug. I could then setup a probe for my reefkeeper to turn the fan on when it reaches X temp.

06/19/2013, 09:46 PM	#1
Snausy Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 907	Canopy Question I just made a new canopy to house my new LED fixtures for my 300g. It's ALMOST totally enclosed other than a 1" slit along the bottom back. Yes there is a roof that sits on top of the sliding light-rack so the roof is not open. My question is: DO I NEED TO INSTALL FANS? How important is it for me to install a fan or two in the canopy? In the summer I can put a regular fan in there pointing at the surface for evaporation cooling but for the rest of the year is it necessary? The LED's are relatively cool and like I said there is a nice 8 foot/1" gap along the back bottom. You can't see the gap in the pics because I'm actually gluing this to an existing crown-molding top already on the tank. It has a gap to allow for 1" returns to come up and over the back of the tank. I've never had a canopy so I don't know the answer. Even with my old T-5 the answer would be "of course you add fans"...but I'm not sure. One thought I had was worry about humidity building up in there and somehow screwing with my light fixtures. Is that a concern? Any input would be appreciated. __________________ A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way. -Mark Twain Current Tank Info: 300gal FOWLR- Emperor Angel, Rainbow Wrasse, Green Bird Wrasse, Dogface Puffer, Niger Trigger, Flame Hawkfish, Matted Filefish 150 Turbosnails that only come out at night! :D Last edited by Snausy; 06/19/2013 at 10:00 PM.

06/20/2013, 06:54 AM	#2
fishgate Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Damascus, MD Posts: 3,340	I suggest getting one of those thermometers with the probe and let it run and see how hot it gets. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...9&pcatid=12089 __________________ 125RR in-wall, 40B Sump, CS180 BM Skimmer, ATI 4x80 watt, eheim 1262, custom wrap around rock wall, ReefKeeper Elite 120g in-wall, 40B Sump, PC 54wx4, Jabao DC-6000 (full siphon), future seahorse t Current Tank Info: 125g, 120g, 2x40b sumps, ATI 4x80 T5HO

06/21/2013, 04:33 PM	#5
Snausy Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 907	See this is why I post questions here. Great answers. Thanks guys...Browsing Newegg for a nice casefan It would be nice if I could get one with a standard AC plug. I could then setup a probe for my reefkeeper to turn the fan on when it reaches X temp. __________________ A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way. -Mark Twain Current Tank Info: 300gal FOWLR- Emperor Angel, Rainbow Wrasse, Green Bird Wrasse, Dogface Puffer, Niger Trigger, Flame Hawkfish, Matted Filefish 150 Turbosnails that only come out at night! :D

06/20/2013, 12:42 PM	#3
redfishblewfish Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Central New Jersey Posts: 716	I will guarantee that you’ll have to put on fan(s). I built a closed canopy with the light fixture on the outside of the canopy. With the light fixture on the outside, the inside still got too hot and this is even after putting in six passive vents. I haven’t put a fan in yet, but it’s planned. For the time being I’m leaving one of the doors open to keep it cool. And by the way, nice looking canopy.

06/20/2013, 02:21 PM	#4
mrbee2828 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 67	Canopy looks amazing. Great woodwork. Depending on the size of the vents you plan on having you will probably need fans. Looks like you are going to have a lot of LEDs under this thing. Again, amazing work here.