MH and Heat - turning my tank into soup cooking pot?

[andsoitgoes]

Thanks again for all the replies.

I think the photoperiod is another issue I've been running with - I know at times I was pushing way more than that, now I'm down to between 4 and 6 hours. I turned them on about 5:30 today and 1.5 hours later, the tank temp is still reasonable. Still have the fan going and the window wide open, but that's something.

I also think there's something to be said about the 10k bulbs - and seeing as I was planning on changing once this bulb goes out, which will be soon, I'll be in a much better position to see the difference.

I think AC, sump, and fans will make the difference this summer. Let's hope.

Thanks in advance for all suggestions, keep 'em coming!

[Borderjumper]

I see you run a UV sterilizer. When I run mine it brings the temp up 3-4 degrees. You might want to try running the UV just at night?
Only when the lights are off. If I run UV at night and with my 20K lights on during the day, I only have about .5 degree increase.

[andsoitgoes]

Hmm - interesting. I'll have to try that out and see, I had never even thought about that - makes sense!

[Chaotic Cricket]

Originally Posted by andsoitgoes

Okay - first, the low side of chillers I'd need are only about 450 (only, hah) - http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/s...t_ID=ch-pc002i

So that answers that problem.

I've got my light a good 4" from the water surface. And it's a Double-Ended HQI bulb as well. Other than the fan, nothing was taking down the temp yesterday, until I turned off the MH...

As for the thermo - I used 2 different kinds. One from my salinity testing probe and one from a coralife electro thermometer. Both gave readings in the 80's - 80, 81, etc.

In the summer my first thought was to just get a small window A/C which I figured would solve the problem, but I know that means I need to keep IT running 24/7 - Surrey in July, yikes!!

Maybe we should just move to Antartica? =/

I thought i might jump in here, this being my first post on canreef. Been around awhile, but the infighting on reefcentral kept me off forums for awhile. Still only lurk around there, but i like what i see here so i registered.


Anyways, most fixtures I've had, and I've had a few. Most manufacturers recommend at least 8 inches or so from the waters surface. I know people put them closer to the water for better penetration, but it brings in new problems. The gain you receive being that close does not outweigh the cost of a chiller. I would put your lights at 10-11 inches up, then move them a half an inch to an inch closer closer until the heat is an issue again, then you will have a balance. If you cannot go with a chiller you will find the fans that you use to cool it will have you constantly filling up with top-off water due to evaporation.