How to control Heat.

[zero186]

ok i have a new tank, which i got tues it was set up for about a year. anyways it had MH lights which is a 1st to me . so i have the temp set about 79-80 i checked it today and it was about 83-84 i dont have a fan cooling my lights b.c i thought where it was didn't need it(basement which temp is kept about 68-70 ish) so should i run a fan i have one but makes ALOT of Noise, i thought computer fans about 4 mounted to the inside of the hood would work nice but dont know how i would go about that. so is the MH the cause of my temp. and should i run the fan, and last any ideas for the computer fans?

[tims]

hey Tj,
yup when runnign a MH lighting system, you need to watch and do 2 things,
one the lights them selves, they can over heat and cause problems if they are on for a long time, lighting systems that are not DIY usually have small fans built in to it to help keep air movement on them.
you can use the small computer type fans, it will be the power hook up for them that you will need to get, places like raidio shack or even a few sponors here would be able to help with the correct wiring.
another thing you can help to lower the tank temp,
if you are running a sump that is easier, if not no biggie, take a fan, a normal fan and place it inthe back of the tank so it blows on the glass, this will help pull out some of the heat and cool the tank a bit ( only a few degrees though)

[zero186]

i put the heater on about 77, for now i have a fan that hangs on the hood since it is over a foot tall and i havent been running it, b.c i thought it was already cool enough but i guess i need the air flow more than cooling power, and if it didn't sound like a plane taking off i would be running it already. i am going to check on the computer fans, and or some other clip on type. tomarrow just hope the temp changes dont mess with my corals/fish

[tims]

if you have an extra ice tray,you can make RO water ice cube and use them as a semi cooling in the tank

[Reef-Keeper]

i run 2 6" fans from Miejer in my canopy and a computer fan on my acrylic sump. feel free to stop by my house sometime if you want to check out the way it is set-up. i am just off of 265 @ preston hwy. i will be glad to "show off" a little !!



i will PM you my number.

keep in mind that in nature, reefs are around 78 - 84 degrees (depending on where they are), but it is not recommended in a tank.

[zero186]

sweet i will keep that in mind. i might be able to set up some thing here with computer fans. i am not only a fish geek but a computer nerd as well lol