Cooling Issues!!

[Xler8n]

Hey guys,

I recently got 2 helfrichis and had to completely seal off the top of my tank so they dont jump. I am now having a slight heat problem since no air touches the water. I have a clip on fan clipped to my bak pak skimmer on the right side of the tank that used to blow under my plexi glass tops but now since it is sealed at the back it only blows through about 8 inches across of area from back to front (theres only about an inch and a half of clearance between the rear light fixture and the tops, so the fan only blows through that). I would clip it on the side to blow from one side to the other but theres no where to clip it on.. I have 2 150 watt metal halides in a sunpod and 2 65w actinics on a seperate fixture on the back so the top of my tank is fairly crowded and i shouldnt need a chiller for that amount of light. Any ideas... I heard these fish are cold water and i dont think 80 degrees is cold water. It was at about 78 degrees before i sealed off the top.

[hng]

My first reaction is to say that 80 degrees is not bad at all. Second thing is to ask if you have a sump? You can get the same effect by blowing air over the surface of the water in the sump.

[crvz]

2 degrees isnt going to make that much of a difference. I wouldnt be worried about 80 degrees either.

[Xler8n]

Yes i do have a sump but it is about 10-15 gallons and has a top on it with a square hole drilled out to have the light for the fuge. It used to be a wet/dry but i converted it.. Thats why it has the top. I cant remove the top because it is one of those tops that has a hole drilled in the middle for the water to come in. the only open part is where the return pump is and thatys only about 8" X 8"

[Xler8n]

Even if i have corals in ym tank also?? I was reading that helfrich firefish like colder water around 74 - 78 degrees. Thats why i wanted to lower it a bit

[crvz]

corals are fine up to 85 or even a bit higher as long as you don't have infrequent dramatic swings. If you want to drop 4-6 degrees, you're looking at a chiller need.

[OneDummHikk]

80 degrees is nothing to worry about. I ran heaters in my tank to get it up to 80 degrees. You can get some cooling on the sump simply by running fans and getting some evaporation going on to help cool it if 80 degrees really worries you but I wouldn't worry about it unless it becomes a problem, which it shouldnt.

[Fat Tony]

My tank runs at 80-83 all the time, and occasionally up to 84/85. I also have 3 firefish and they have fine for about 3-4 months in the tank.. no issues.

[Doug1]

Originally Posted by Fat Tony

My tank runs at 80-83 all the time, and occasionally up to 84/85. I also have 3 firefish and they have fine for about 3-4 months in the tank.. no issues.

I think he's concerned the the Helfrichiis come from deeper hawaiian waters and are used to cooler temps, that and the are gawdawful spendy

[jenglish]

I realize it is only a 2 degrees difference since you added the top but I was curious why you didn't look into a mesh top? If you are wanting to get to that 74 degree mark you will need a chiller unless you keep your house a lot colder than mine. I remember once considering putting a sump in a small refrigerator instead of getting a chiller.

[fishfarmer]

Mine seems to run at 83 degrees. I also too want the some Helfrich!!!