Help with Light Heat!

[Reefer33]

I currently have a 30 gallon long tank that is 18" tall. I recently switched my lighting over to 2x55 watt PC's, and I am having over heating probs. Corals withdrawing and fish are breathing excessively. I can't believe these lights are heating the tank so hot because they are cool enough that I can touch them. My question is what should I do now? Vent the top more or get fans? Also shouldn't the reflector act as a heat sink? TIA

 

[Anonymous]

Your reflector is acting as a heat sink--it's radiating to the air trapped inside your hood.

Buy a fan. If you simply vent your hood you'll end up with lamps that last 5 months instead of 10.

Ty

 

[NoriMuncher]

I agree, buy a fan. Have it blow in-- if it blows out, it will suck some salt spray with it and corrode. I have 55w PC's and most of the heat comes out of the ballasts. If you can't reposition them, have the fan blow on them.