Lighting question again.

[rs11]

I have a 65 gallon reef setup that I have had for years. I am thinking
of changing the lighting on it and would like some input. I have been
using Metal halide with 2 actinic. The corals are doing well, soft and
stoney corals. The problem is the heat that is generated by the MH. I
have no chiller and do not intend to buy nor have the room for one. I
know there are many different lighting systems on the market now, all
claiming to be the best. I would like some input from all of you as to
which lighting you think is best. Do I keep the MH and suffer from the
heat and hi cost of electric or should I switch to compacts or something
else that will still be good for the corals, be much cooler and more
cost effective.
I appreciate your answers.
Thanks
Rob

[Xerces]

I have a similar sized tank (66) and run 4 x 48" on an Icecap 660
ballast. I have everything from softies to SPS and clams. Heat is no
issue, I have one 12vDC computer fan on the back of the canopy. I run
2 URI super actinics and two phillips 6500K (el cheapo!) bulbs with
great sucess.

http://community.webshots.com/album/236290540VwtoSX

Some pics of my setup
I'll toss in my vote for VHO! I am considering trying the T5 bulbs
instead of the URI VHO (the URIs cost me damm near $50 each here!) One
of the suppliers I use has the T5s on sale for $20 (actinic).

Regards

Jon

[Marc Levenson]

Rob, if you already own the lights, let's consider heat solutions instead.

Computer fans blowing ambient room temperature INTO your canopy will
help force the hot air out any openings.

Cracking the canopy doors open just slightly will allow heat to exit.

Putting a cheapo fan over your sump will help lower temperatures.

Removing a canister filter (Magnum 350, for example) reduces heat.

Checking your heaters to make sure they aren't adding to the problem.

Reducing the amount of powerheads you have in the tank and replacing
those with a closed loop might help.

Clean the return pump to reduce overheat-related issues.

Remove the glass top on your tank if it is there.

Raise the MH bulbs 9" off the water.

Marc


rs11 wrote:
> I have a 65 gallon reef setup that I have had for years. I am thinking
> of changing the lighting on it and would like some input. I have been
> using Metal halide with 2 actinic. The corals are doing well, soft and
> stoney corals. The problem is the heat that is generated by the MH. I
> have no chiller and do not intend to buy nor have the room for one. I
> know there are many different lighting systems on the market now, all
> claiming to be the best. I would like some input from all of you as to
> which lighting you think is best. Do I keep the MH and suffer from the
> heat and hi cost of electric or should I switch to compacts or something
> else that will still be good for the corals, be much cooler and more
> cost effective.
> I appreciate your answers.
> Thanks
> Rob

--
Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

[rs11]

Marc
I have considered the solutions already, none work the way I would like.
I have 2 computer fans in my canopy, the doors are open. The sump hasa
fan on top of it and there is egg crate overthe tank with two computer
fans also. The heater is unplugged most of the year, and the MH are more
than 10 inches above the tank. The only way I can keep the tank temp
down is to run the air conditioner in my den almost always. I am looking
for lights that will work as well as MH but not generate the heat and
electric expense that they do. The tank is a 65 gallon high tank.
Thanks
Rob

Marc Levenson wrote:
> Rob, if you already own the lights, let's consider heat solutions instead.
>
> Computer fans blowing ambient room temperature INTO your canopy will
> help force the hot air out any openings.
>
> Cracking the canopy doors open just slightly will allow heat to exit.
>
> Putting a cheapo fan over your sump will help lower temperatures.
>
> Removing a canister filter (Magnum 350, for example) reduces heat.
>
> Checking your heaters to make sure they aren't adding to the problem.
>
> Reducing the amount of powerheads you have in the tank and replacing
> those with a closed loop might help.
>
> Clean the return pump to reduce overheat-related issues.
>
> Remove the glass top on your tank if it is there.
>
> Raise the MH bulbs 9" off the water.
>
> Marc
>
>
> rs11 wrote:
>
>> I have a 65 gallon reef setup that I have had for years. I am thinking
>> of changing the lighting on it and would like some input. I have been
>> using Metal halide with 2 actinic. The corals are doing well, soft
>> and stoney corals. The problem is the heat that is generated by the
>> MH. I have no chiller and do not intend to buy nor have the room for
>> one. I know there are many different lighting systems on the market
>> now, all claiming to be the best. I would like some input from all of
>> you as to which lighting you think is best. Do I keep the MH and
>> suffer from the heat and hi cost of electric or should I switch to
>> compacts or something else that will still be good for the corals, be
>> much cooler and more cost effective.
>> I appreciate your answers.
>> Thanks
>> Rob
>
>

[Marc Levenson]

What temperature is your reef tank running at?

Marc


rs11 wrote:
> Marc
> I have considered the solutions already, none work the way I would like.
> I have 2 computer fans in my canopy, the doors are open. The sump hasa
> fan on top of it and there is egg crate overthe tank with two computer
> fans also. The heater is unplugged most of the year, and the MH are more
> than 10 inches above the tank. The only way I can keep the tank temp
> down is to run the air conditioner in my den almost always. I am looking
> for lights that will work as well as MH but not generate the heat and
> electric expense that they do. The tank is a 65 gallon high tank.
> Thanks
> Rob
>
> Marc Levenson wrote:
>
>> Rob, if you already own the lights, let's consider heat solutions
>> instead.
>>
>> Computer fans blowing ambient room temperature INTO your canopy will
>> help force the hot air out any openings.
>>
>> Cracking the canopy doors open just slightly will allow heat to exit.
>>
>> Putting a cheapo fan over your sump will help lower temperatures.
>>
>> Removing a canister filter (Magnum 350, for example) reduces heat.
>>
>> Checking your heaters to make sure they aren't adding to the problem.
>>
>> Reducing the amount of powerheads you have in the tank and replacing
>> those with a closed loop might help.
>>
>> Clean the return pump to reduce overheat-related issues.
>>
>> Remove the glass top on your tank if it is there.
>>
>> Raise the MH bulbs 9" off the water.
>>
>> Marc
>>
>>
>> rs11 wrote:
>>
>>> I have a 65 gallon reef setup that I have had for years. I am
>>> thinking of changing the lighting on it and would like some input. I
>>> have been using Metal halide with 2 actinic. The corals are doing
>>> well, soft and stoney corals. The problem is the heat that is
>>> generated by the MH. I have no chiller and do not intend to buy nor
>>> have the room for one. I know there are many different lighting
>>> systems on the market now, all claiming to be the best. I would like
>>> some input from all of you as to which lighting you think is best. Do
>>> I keep the MH and suffer from the heat and hi cost of electric or
>>> should I switch to compacts or something else that will still be good
>>> for the corals, be much cooler and more cost effective.
>>> I appreciate your answers.
>>> Thanks
>>> Rob
>>
>>
>>

--
Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

[rs11]

Marc
The temp gets into the high 80's and low 90's at times. I am really
looking for a lighting alternative at this point rather than trying to
control the high temps. I need lights that keep the corals healthy and
run cool.
Rob

Marc Levenson wrote:
> What temperature is your reef tank running at?
>
> Marc
>
>
> rs11 wrote:
>
>> Marc
>> I have considered the solutions already, none work the way I would like.
>> I have 2 computer fans in my canopy, the doors are open. The sump
>> hasa fan on top of it and there is egg crate overthe tank with two
>> computer fans also. The heater is unplugged most of the year, and the
>> MH are more than 10 inches above the tank. The only way I can keep the
>> tank temp down is to run the air conditioner in my den almost always.
>> I am looking for lights that will work as well as MH but not generate
>> the heat and electric expense that they do. The tank is a 65 gallon
>> high tank.
>> Thanks
>> Rob
>>
>> Marc Levenson wrote:
>>
>>> Rob, if you already own the lights, let's consider heat solutions
>>> instead.
>>>
>>> Computer fans blowing ambient room temperature INTO your canopy will
>>> help force the hot air out any openings.
>>>
>>> Cracking the canopy doors open just slightly will allow heat to exit.
>>>
>>> Putting a cheapo fan over your sump will help lower temperatures.
>>>
>>> Removing a canister filter (Magnum 350, for example) reduces heat.
>>>
>>> Checking your heaters to make sure they aren't adding to the problem.
>>>
>>> Reducing the amount of powerheads you have in the tank and replacing
>>> those with a closed loop might help.
>>>
>>> Clean the return pump to reduce overheat-related issues.
>>>
>>> Remove the glass top on your tank if it is there.
>>>
>>> Raise the MH bulbs 9" off the water.
>>>
>>> Marc
>>>
>>>
>>> rs11 wrote:
>>>
>>>> I have a 65 gallon reef setup that I have had for years. I am
>>>> thinking of changing the lighting on it and would like some input. I
>>>> have been using Metal halide with 2 actinic. The corals are doing
>>>> well, soft and stoney corals. The problem is the heat that is
>>>> generated by the MH. I have no chiller and do not intend to buy nor
>>>> have the room for one. I know there are many different lighting
>>>> systems on the market now, all claiming to be the best. I would like
>>>> some input from all of you as to which lighting you think is best.
>>>> Do I keep the MH and suffer from the heat and hi cost of electric or
>>>> should I switch to compacts or something else that will still be
>>>> good for the corals, be much cooler and more cost effective.
>>>> I appreciate your answers.
>>>> Thanks
>>>> Rob
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>

[Marc Levenson]

I agree. That is way too hot. If you were 84F as the high, I'd say to
not worry about it.

VHOs are a good alternative, but won't support SPS corals too well.

T5's are all the rage, but buying replacement bulbs can be painful.

Marc


rs11 wrote:
> Marc
> The temp gets into the high 80's and low 90's at times. I am really
> looking for a lighting alternative at this point rather than trying to
> control the high temps. I need lights that keep the corals healthy and
> run cool.
> Rob
>
> Marc Levenson wrote:
>
>> What temperature is your reef tank running at?
>>
>> Marc
>>
>>
>> rs11 wrote:
>>
>>> Marc
>>> I have considered the solutions already, none work the way I would like.
>>> I have 2 computer fans in my canopy, the doors are open. The sump
>>> hasa fan on top of it and there is egg crate overthe tank with two
>>> computer fans also. The heater is unplugged most of the year, and the
>>> MH are more than 10 inches above the tank. The only way I can keep
>>> the tank temp down is to run the air conditioner in my den almost
>>> always. I am looking for lights that will work as well as MH but not
>>> generate the heat and electric expense that they do. The tank is a 65
>>> gallon high tank.
>>> Thanks
>>> Rob
>>>
>>> Marc Levenson wrote:
>>>
>>>> Rob, if you already own the lights, let's consider heat solutions
>>>> instead.
>>>>
>>>> Computer fans blowing ambient room temperature INTO your canopy will
>>>> help force the hot air out any openings.
>>>>
>>>> Cracking the canopy doors open just slightly will allow heat to exit.
>>>>
>>>> Putting a cheapo fan over your sump will help lower temperatures.
>>>>
>>>> Removing a canister filter (Magnum 350, for example) reduces heat.
>>>>
>>>> Checking your heaters to make sure they aren't adding to the problem.
>>>>
>>>> Reducing the amount of powerheads you have in the tank and replacing
>>>> those with a closed loop might help.
>>>>
>>>> Clean the return pump to reduce overheat-related issues.
>>>>
>>>> Remove the glass top on your tank if it is there.
>>>>
>>>> Raise the MH bulbs 9" off the water.
>>>>
>>>> Marc
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> rs11 wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> I have a 65 gallon reef setup that I have had for years. I am
>>>>> thinking of changing the lighting on it and would like some input.
>>>>> I have been using Metal halide with 2 actinic. The corals are
>>>>> doing well, soft and stoney corals. The problem is the heat that is
>>>>> generated by the MH. I have no chiller and do not intend to buy nor
>>>>> have the room for one. I know there are many different lighting
>>>>> systems on the market now, all claiming to be the best. I would
>>>>> like some input from all of you as to which lighting you think is
>>>>> best. Do I keep the MH and suffer from the heat and hi cost of
>>>>> electric or should I switch to compacts or something else that will
>>>>> still be good for the corals, be much cooler and more cost effective.
>>>>> I appreciate your answers.
>>>>> Thanks
>>>>> Rob
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>

--
Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

[swhastan]

What's the room temperature?
If room temperature is a way too high, you got to get a chiller.
However, if room temperature stays within allowable range, you can install a
reflector like a lumenarc after you remove the top of your canopy. The
efficiency of this reflector is pretty good, so I think you can locate MHs
pretty away from the surface of water.
See details at http://www.pacificgardensupply.com/products.asp?cat=2

Hope it helps,
Sungwon

"rs11" > wrote in message
news:0tbAe.2032$Om4.2019@trndny07...
> Marc
> The temp gets into the high 80's and low 90's at times. I am really
> looking for a lighting alternative at this point rather than trying to
> control the high temps. I need lights that keep the corals healthy and run
> cool.
> Rob
>
> Marc Levenson wrote:
>> What temperature is your reef tank running at?
>>
>> Marc
>>
>>
>> rs11 wrote:
>>
>>> Marc
>>> I have considered the solutions already, none work the way I would like.
>>> I have 2 computer fans in my canopy, the doors are open. The sump hasa
>>> fan on top of it and there is egg crate overthe tank with two computer
>>> fans also. The heater is unplugged most of the year, and the MH are more
>>> than 10 inches above the tank. The only way I can keep the tank temp
>>> down is to run the air conditioner in my den almost always. I am looking
>>> for lights that will work as well as MH but not generate the heat and
>>> electric expense that they do. The tank is a 65 gallon high tank.
>>> Thanks
>>> Rob
>>>
>>> Marc Levenson wrote:
>>>
>>>> Rob, if you already own the lights, let's consider heat solutions
>>>> instead.
>>>>
>>>> Computer fans blowing ambient room temperature INTO your canopy will
>>>> help force the hot air out any openings.
>>>>
>>>> Cracking the canopy doors open just slightly will allow heat to exit.
>>>>
>>>> Putting a cheapo fan over your sump will help lower temperatures.
>>>>
>>>> Removing a canister filter (Magnum 350, for example) reduces heat.
>>>>
>>>> Checking your heaters to make sure they aren't adding to the problem.
>>>>
>>>> Reducing the amount of powerheads you have in the tank and replacing
>>>> those with a closed loop might help.
>>>>
>>>> Clean the return pump to reduce overheat-related issues.
>>>>
>>>> Remove the glass top on your tank if it is there.
>>>>
>>>> Raise the MH bulbs 9" off the water.
>>>>
>>>> Marc
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> rs11 wrote:
>>>>
>>>>> I have a 65 gallon reef setup that I have had for years. I am thinking
>>>>> of changing the lighting on it and would like some input. I have been
>>>>> using Metal halide with 2 actinic. The corals are doing well, soft
>>>>> and stoney corals. The problem is the heat that is generated by the
>>>>> MH. I have no chiller and do not intend to buy nor have the room for
>>>>> one. I know there are many different lighting systems on the market
>>>>> now, all claiming to be the best. I would like some input from all of
>>>>> you as to which lighting you think is best. Do I keep the MH and
>>>>> suffer from the heat and hi cost of electric or should I switch to
>>>>> compacts or something else that will still be good for the corals, be
>>>>> much cooler and more cost effective.
>>>>> I appreciate your answers.
>>>>> Thanks
>>>>> Rob
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>