OK. For all intents and purposes, the canopy will be made out of wood, and in a style like you would hang from a ceiling. So let's just say it hangs from the ceiling (whether it will or not, I've yet to decide, but the design will remain the same). I'm supposing it will resemble a box, with vents, with lights in it. The canopy will be made with what I'm guessing will be a nice oak plywood (if this will not work, or is not recommended, please let me know!) The 72" build-your-own
MH/
VHO retrofit from hellolights.com will be mounted into the top panel of the hood. It will have wood on the sides to hide the actual bulbs themselves from viewing. It will be equipped with some fans to keep down temperature. How far from the
MH bulbs should I mount the acrylic? 3", 4", more? less? I like the idea about eggcrate to cover the tank. Thanks for that idea! My only concern is keeping down temp, protecting my bulbs and livestock, and creating the prime lighting conditions for them. So, while I'm at that subject as well, should I go 10,000K on the 2x250 MHs and then
03 actinic on the VHOs? Will this support all the corals+clams, or will I need something different. Sorry for the volley of questions, I just want to do this right. Thanks again!
(P.S. - If I left out any other important info, I apologize. I'm still very new to the saltwater aquarium lighting scene, and well, the saltwater scene in general. So if I left anything out, just remind me/ask me.)