How to insulate the plastic middle support strip

V

vyouravi

I have a 90 gal. It has the standard plastic support strip in the middle. I have a 400w mh light that is going to be as close to the water as I can possibly put it. How do you guys insulate that strip so that it doesn't burn up and or warp to the point of failure? The best thing I can come up with is wrapping in some sort of tube and filling the gap with "the good stuff" foam. Any other suggestions? Thanks!
 
why do you need it so close? You run the risk of the bulb exploding if it gets wet while it is hot (unless you have some barrier between the light and the tank. I run 3 400w MH 12" off the water and it works good this way.
 
Agreed.

The easiest protect, even with the bulb much higher, is a strip of acrylic with some spacers beneath. The acrylic will get the brunt of the heat, and can be replaced with a new piece from time to time while the original frame stays safe from damage.
 
Isn't it recommended to place your Mh 9-12" off the surface of the water? What was you resonning for placing them so close?
 
do you need a 400w bulb at that depth, most people with this tank depth and size use 250w bulbs, but to each his own

i have a 90 with 2x250w mh and they are 12" off the water with fans blowing in the canopy
 
I am still in the planning stages. I don't have a grand scheme yet. I want the light to be as close to the water as possible (no where near directly on the water surface) I was thinking about 8-12" or so. The insulation is just there for precaution. Glasscages is coming to town soon (wife permitting) I may be upgrading anyway. Got my eye on their 240 humina humina. Right now I have her partially convinced. If I can get her drunk enough (haha) she may go for it. I can only dream of a 240 gal tank with a 90 gal uber deep sandbed "refugium" and a 60gal sump drum. siiiiiigh. If that ever happens, you guys are going to hate the millions of questions I am going to have. Wish me luck )
 
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