Fire ?!? what do you think

[reefann]

I'm building a fairly small hood for a tank I'm working on. I will be using a 150watt DE HQI metal halide bulb. I wanted to build the hood out of wood and have the bulb about 2 1/2" from the wood. I was going to install a fan directly above the bulb blowing outward and a fan on the inside of the hood about 5" away from the bulb blowing across. Both fans would be 80mm. I thought this would prevent any chances of the wood catching fire.......
My dad feels it is unsafe and "Does not like the idea of mixing MH's and wood."
I suggested getting a temp controller that would shut down the bulb if a fan failed. He is still fighting me on this.
Could anyone post opinions of my plan and let me know if you think there is really a fire hazard. Thanks,
JJ.
BTW
I could always make the bulb farther from the wood. IF you feel this will help let me know how far your think is sufficient.
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grand daddy purple strain

 

[Mikef1]

Will there be a reflector between the wood and the mh? I have my 400s right below the wood but there is a reflector between the wood and the mhs. I have never had any problems infact the wood doesnt get to hot at all. I am running one fan blowing air over them but even if it is off I dont have any problems.

 

[Len]

I've charred wood with halides before when placed in distances greater then 2 1/2". I recommend in order to prevent this, mount the halide to a plate of metal (aluminum is great) and mount the plate of aluminum a few mm away from the wood using spacers (available at all hardware stores). This will help dissapate heat and greatly alleviate the possiblity of fire or burnt wood.

 

[Anonymous]

a good coat of paint is also your friend. Paited wood is a LOT less likely to catch fire than bare wood.

Also, type of wood makes a difference. Pine will catch a lot quiker than oak.

B

 

[reefann]

Thanks for the replies!
I guess I'll start the build tonight!
MikeF, I have some 400's running but I had a stainless steel hood fabricated so I was unsure how they would react with wood.
I will probably build a little reflector with aluminum, and coat the inside with a white paint.
Thanks again for the replies
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Honda Elite