MH test...

[grazhopr]

Hi,

I tested the canopy last night (with my 2x 175w MHs) and measured temp at water surface line (empty tank). I simulated water surface with a blanket. Result: 97 F. with the AC on!!
Has anyone ever measured temperature inside the canopy ?
I wonder, what will I need to freshen up a little bit that space, a cold front?
or better yet, How low can it get with cooling fans?
I bought these two 4.7" (12 cm) fans but need to install them.
I'm little worried this will create high water temp issues...
Any thoughts on this are welcome....

[MontanaRocknReefer]

Well I am assuming that the blanket would draw more heat than alot of water movement at the surface and how far are the lights from the top of the tank?

You will definately need those fans put in. I had two fans put in my custom made hood for 2-250wwMH's and 2-96wwPC's.

[grazhopr]

The lights are 9" from water surface line.

[grazhopr]

Originally posted by MontanaRocknReefer
Well I am assuming that the blanket would draw more heat than alot of water movement at the surface ......

Yeh, I thought so too....
maybe I'm rushing things a lil bit

[grazhopr]

Could the reflectors concentrate too much heat?

[MontanaRocknReefer]

I think the reflectors send the much needed light to your tank and maybe the heat follows!

I believe the bulbs just generate alot of heat and fans are needed to cool down the area in the hood! Nothing like a nice cool breeze flowing over and around the bulbs and sucking out the hot air!!!

I will not bring Jay in on this one!!! No Way!! Love you man!!!

[grazhopr]

Originally posted by MontanaRocknReefer
Nothing like a nice cool breeze flowing over and around the bulbs and sucking out the hot air!!!

I will not bring Jay in on this one!!! No Way!! Love you man!!!

You better not ! This may get him in the mood to start rubbing inverts !

[grazhopr]

BTW, thanks for the input, man! I appreciate it!

[MontanaRocknReefer]

Your most welcome and how is your neck of the woods? Love to go there some day! Neat to meet people from different parts of the world and love to hear about their country and customs!

I believe you have some of the best "cowboys" in the world!

[grazhopr]

You're more than welcome to visit us!
I can always receive a TRT member in my home

[thefatman]

look at it this way.. with the lights so hot, they should help your heater work less. savign you a little dough in electric bills in the long run.

i'd agree that the water is going to absorb that heat better than the blanket did. the fans should take care of the rest..

let us know how it goes...before i order mh's

[Doug1]

Graz, the water surface will reflector more than a stationary blanket will. Plus your water will be in constant motion, both with some surface agitation,and movement thru the sump which will tend to draw heat away and give it a chance to dissapate during the air/water interface in the sump. Also you have the evaporation thing working for you, hopefully your apartment is ACed so that high heat/humidirt(ambient) isn't working against you. You might want to use a fan in the sump as well.
Next isssue to get started on is auto top off system , I suspect you are going to go thru a lot of water dailey

[MontanaRocknReefer]

Well said Doug! I knew someone could explain it better!!

[grazhopr]

That's right doug. I was thinking of putting a fan inside the sump.
I guess I need to run the test with water in the tank, pumps running and everything. I just can't have my hands off that tank
The AC does not run all the time, just a few hours during the night.
And, I have the water top off covered, Doug (I think!)

[grazhopr]

Thanks for the help on this one...