my first planted tank

[ltd81corvette]

I am having a problem with the canopy. It gets too hot under the canopy when I run the compact bulbs and after about 10-15 minutes it smells like im burning plastic. The light strip that holds the 2 compacts has a fan on it but I can't think of a way to keep it cool while it runs. Am I going to have to cut the sides of the canopy for better ventilation?? I would like to avoid cutting the canopy as much as possible. Any ideas

 

[cmj15]

get an additional fan or two and direct them towards the lights

 

[ltd81corvette]

Before the canopy I didnt have this problem. Do you still think an extra fan would help?

 

[Muske]

Fans will def. help. I have a home made canopy for VHOs. It is open in the back and has slots on the top so I don't have any heat issues. I have seen many other canopies that have small 3" or so fans on the sides. Here is a few pics. of my new tanks canopy, along w/my exsisting hood. I will be running PC is this and do away w/the VHOs since bulbs are becoming harder and harder to find. At least at my LFS, there is plenty on-line, but I prefer to get them local.








The homemade canopy was meant to be temporary, but it worked and has been up for two years. The open back lets out a lot of light but keeps the bulbs cool. Using a router to cut grooves in the top may be a little less intrusive, but it comes down to personal pref. in looks. Like I said I have VHO which run even hotter than PCs, and have no overheating probs.

 

[ltd81corvette]

Sounds like a plan...I will post pics of what I do to the canopy