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#2
08-26-2011, 02:37 PM
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Yeah...but the T5's i currently use block the tank and all the heat is trapped in there. Plus the ballast is also internal.
With the separate external ballasts and the fact that there is a clearance thanks to the legs, I am assuming that temperature at plant level shouldn't be a lot hotter than now (also since hot air rises). I will have a humidifier in the side blowing cold air in. On extremely hot days in summer, perhaps I can turn off the MH and use only the T5. 
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#3
08-26-2011, 03:28 PM
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The metal halides will raise your tanks temperature significantly. You will want to have it raised above and have a fan blowing on the surface of the water.
As for your plants, are you providing enough nutrients (e.g., estimative index + iron chelate) and co2? If you invest in a quality light fixture with good reflectors, you shouldn't have any problems getting the red you are looking for. EDIT just noticed that I don't know how to read properly and that you don't have submerse plants (or water to say) so forget all of that.
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#4
08-26-2011, 03:41 PM
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I have 2 of the older style that don't have individual reflectors & the cooling fans are also external on top of the fixture. I have been running them for about 6 months now & only had an issues with the t5 ballasts, which they have changed for better one on the fixture you are looking at. I do know that the cooling fans in this one are a little stronger and the ballasts are better quality but in your case I would suggest not to put the ballast in the window because the sun light will heat them up even more then they already do. Mount them on a board and get a fan like this one to blow on them when there on. Also get a couple more of these type of fans to blow across the bottom of the fixture and top of the tanks to reduce the heat above the tank.
http://www.caudata.org/cc/articles/cooling.shtml Scroll down the page a bit to find the fan pic.
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#5
08-26-2011, 03:50 PM
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I have several vivariums as I am trying my hand with dart frogs, t5's are usually more than enough, do you monitor the temps in the soil as well?? An under tank heater may solve that issue. As for mh light fixtures they will raise temps so as was stated previously a fan will have to be added,but this is a good thing as most vivariums require adequate circulation. I am not an expert on carniverous plants but my bromeliads ferns and tillandsia's do well....Yes I am aware that broms are sometimes considered carniverous.
 As for the light fixture itself I had no problems with mine and have bought from seller before. Oh and do you have screening on top of your tank? Depends on bulb type but you might over cook your plants if you arent careful as well...Misting system?? check out this link. http://www.vivariumforum.com/community/
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