T5s heating the tank

[danelam]

I just installed my T5s on my 55g yetserday (4 x 54w geissman bulbs.) I just checked the temperature of the tank - 82, too high. The fish and corals are alright but I want to get it down.

I thought it was only MH that heated the tank. What can I do to allieviate this? Will a fan help? Where can I get one that i can attach to the hood? I can't really afford a chiller unfortunately.

Thanks for the tips!

 

[Deanos]

Will a fan help? Where can I get one that i can attach to the hood?

Yes, try a clip on fan; available at hardware stores, Target and some discount stores.

 

[danelam]

Thanks Deanos. Are they very big? I don't know that there's alot of room under the hood.
Are they battery operated?

 

[bigbris1]

You sure it's the bulbs that's heating the tank? My tank stays at about 82 & that whether the lights are on or not. I think it's the Coralife digital thermometer that's faulty because the water feels cool to the touch.

You could also try ebay for aquarium fans.

 

[danelam]

Well I know it normally is around 78 and it does feel might warm under the hood. I mean if it stayed 82 it would be fine, but i don't want it to go much higher than that and don't wanna risk it

 

[Deanos]

Thanks Deanos. Are they very big? I don't know that there's alot of room under the hood.
Are they battery operated?

They have various sizes and are usually corded.

 

[autoponicz]

i would drill the sides of the canopy and install some large computer fans....

t5's will contribute heat too.....its just not concentrated like MH....
but does the temp. go back down with the lights off?

 

[danelam]

Computer fans? What are they and where do I get them?

 

[ming]

I would rather clip on fans over computer fans because the blades are usually a lot bigger, so they can spin a lot slower pushing comparable or more air at less noise. The only issue is the sight

 

[NYreefNoob]

i use 2 4" comp fan's in my canopy on my t5's. how many pumps do you have also. that contributes to heat as well

 

[danelam]

only other things running in the tank is a cpr backpack skimmer, a maxijet 900 and a koralia 2 (currently in the process of upgrading flow.) Also the heat increased as soon as I put the lights on so I guess they're the main culprit. There's not alot of room in the hood so maybe computer fans are the best option.

Where do I get them?

 

[Killerdrgn]

Where is your thermometer placement? is it right under the lights?

 

[danelam]

it's not right under the lights, but certainly in the top half of the tank. I didn't realise T5s put out that much heat

 

[rookie07]

Dane....keep in mind, that if the fan(which ever type you use) is blowing on the water...it will cool the water down. I have tried some fans, and they blow to much on the water...ive tried fans on timers, but they are not reliable, im putting a computer fan into the back of my cover just so it will clear out the hot air from the MH, and not have enough power to blow on the water.
In my very inexperianced opinion, the best thing to do is get a chiller, bu that will run you like $300-400.

 

[rookie07]

I have the fan pictured by deanos...its yours if u want it, i payed like $20 on ebay

 

[Deanos]

In my very inexperianced opinion, the best thing to do is get a chiller, bu that will run you like $300-400.

To combat running the fan continuously, I'd recommend a single stage Ranco controller. You can program it to only turn the fan on when the tank reaches a set temperature.

p.s. You can find it much cheaper than Dr. Foster & Smith :shhh:

 

[NYreefNoob]

i took a 18v charger to power my comp fans makes them spin faster and blow harder, you can buy the fans at best buy, circuit city, ect

 

[autoponicz]

2 120mm computer case fans is very large ....and the better ones are low decible and high cfm plus uses only 12v..

these are just case fans you can buy on newegg.com or tigerdirect.com or cyberguys.com or any computer place.

but if your not familiar with what a computer fan is.....then those clip-on fans would be alot simpler to use.

 

[danelam]

guys how hard are these computer fans to install? I have no tools or expertise haha. Does anyone live near Hell's Kitchen who might be able to lend me some tools to do this?

 

[KathyC]

You can use computer fans that look very much like the fans on the link below...very easy to install.
Also on the link are DC 12 V power supplies (match them to the fans you purchase). I have these and had run them off a timer to come on when my MH lights came on (I have chillers now).
Ideally I understand you want them blowing air onto your water to cool things off as opposed to pulling air into the fan since the salt in the moist air will cause the fan to have a much shorter life.
You'd need a screwdriver, a razor blade and some waterproof connectors.

The clip on fans that Dean mentions should be turning up in all the drug chains (CVS, Rite Aid, etc..) in the next few weeks when they put out their Spring merchandise...about $10 each.