Mounting Canopy Ballast

[opium89]

Hi,

I am mounting a retro kit in the wife's freshy and I was told not to mount the ballast inside the canopy for fear of it getting wet. I would actually like to put it inside the canopy so I need some suggestions on keeping it dry. What are you folks doing with these?

[LoneStar]

I always mounted mine high and dry away from the canopy and tank.

[captexas]

Mine are mounted to the back side of the canopy to where they are shielded by the wood so they don't get wet.

[opium89]

Any other options that will allow to mount it inside? I thought about sliding a sheet of acryllic in there or something. I really don't like the idea of having this thing hanging on the back.

[captexas]

Problem with sealing it in some way is that ballasts usually generate heat. You want air flow around it to ventilate that heat. That's another reason not to put it inside your canopy as that heat can transfer to the water of the tank.

[LoneStar]

Yup, if you seal your ballast, it will overheat and cause problems. One of them being a fire hazzard. What kinda retro kit is this? Why not lengthen the wire leads so you can mount it somewhere out of the way?

[jroescher]

Mine are mounted about 8" above the water. Been several years and no sign of corrosion.

http://johnroescher.com/canopy.aspx

http://johnroescher.com/images/100_0289.jpg
http://johnroescher.com/images/100_0290.jpg