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11-09-2004, 08:01 PM
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#1
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Automotive Paint Nerd
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Livonia, MI
Posts: 603
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Who uses temp controllers?
I've been looking at getting a temp controller for my reef but am curious as to if it is really necessary. Right now I seem to have large temp swings, which is why I ordered some computer fans for cooling. What would the advantage be to having a temp controller run the fans vs. having them simply run when the lights are on? Should I simply try it with the fans running during light time and if that cools it too much (since it is winter time), THEN get a controller to turn the fans off an on as needed. Thanks.
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11-09-2004, 11:26 PM
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#2
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Reefless Reefer
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Durham, NC
Posts: 20,559
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i have a controller, but i am running both a chiller and a heater. with over 1100w of light, the tank can heat up pretty quick.
if your tank is just barely getting to hot for your comfort than fans may do it for you. i would just have them run all the time, day and night. as long as you have a reliable heater it will keep the tank warm. if the fans are able to keep the tank cool then one temp sensitive device is needed to keep the temp consistant.
G~
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Think Tanker
Friends Don't Let Friends Use Refugiums!
Reef Knowledge Impaired
"J" crowd member.
My Build Thread
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11-10-2004, 07:35 AM
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#3
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Pretty In Pink
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: portland or
Posts: 3,262
Reviews: 6
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We have over 1100 w's of lighting as well, but I put the fans on a timer - comes on when the MH's ae on and go off about 1hr when they go off Temp stays about 78-79. Now if I can only fix this EBO jagger, the light stays on the heater most of the time - even when cranked all the way down.
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11-15-2004, 01:12 AM
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#4
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240 gallon reef since '92
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Red Wing, MN
Posts: 264
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my medusa has an alarm, and every once in a while it saves me.
__________________
Bill Schaller, setting up a 58 ReefReady.
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11-15-2004, 04:48 PM
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#5
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The Mechanic
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 375
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I run an aqualogic 2 stage controller. I have a chiller and heater. It has become a mandatory part of my system. The more that can be automated, the better.
Eric...
__________________
120 gal sps dominated reef, 40 gal sump, 30 gal fuge,2 Streams on a multicontroller, MRC MR2, 2X250 DE MH, T5 actinics.MRC CR2 calcium reactor.
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11-17-2004, 02:47 AM
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#6
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Klingon
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Forest Grove, OR
Posts: 1,808
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I just hook a 10" box fan to my lighting (MH) switch like wannareef has. Keeps my tank at 78 even with 400 watts over a 40g, don't forget 140 watts for my halogen spot lights.
__________________
40g 3' BB tank * 2 Seio 820's * 250w 14kk light * 190w actinic/10kk * DIY recirc skimmer.
~If I could only remember half of what I've learned~
~Jimbo~
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11-17-2004, 10:08 AM
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#7
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The Mechanic
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 375
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I am running 4- 4" fans in the canopy with 770 watts of lighting. The fans just can't do it alone with my setup.
Eric...
__________________
120 gal sps dominated reef, 40 gal sump, 30 gal fuge,2 Streams on a multicontroller, MRC MR2, 2X250 DE MH, T5 actinics.MRC CR2 calcium reactor.
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11-17-2004, 12:38 PM
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#8
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Klingon
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Forest Grove, OR
Posts: 1,808
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You might try aiming the fan at the water. Evap lowers temp. The 10" I use blows across the surface.
__________________
40g 3' BB tank * 2 Seio 820's * 250w 14kk light * 190w actinic/10kk * DIY recirc skimmer.
~If I could only remember half of what I've learned~
~Jimbo~
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