Lighting Question

[sef20]

hi! I am just starting up my dream come true... 120 gallon reef tank. For the lighting, I am deciding between a Retrofit 8x54W T-5 lighting system or a Retrofit Metal Halide system. I am trying to avoid having a chiller. Would the Metal Halide system cause a heating problem because of the canopy? I also have a glass top. I would really appreciate any suggestions.

 

[Fragmented]

I have a 120 with a metal halide and have no heat issues- Light is 8 inches from the surface of the water. I wouldnt use a glass top. Use a fan to blow air into the canopy and leave the back of the canopy open and you should be fine. I also have central air that runs in the summertime

 

[PolandSpring]

stanley.. dont use a glass top at all because then it will be to hot and put a fan either next to your tank or under the tank near your sump..thats what i am doing because my room gets hot during the summer and im using MH. also put your lights up a little higher if you want so its not right next to the water. But if you want a top.. just get a screen with no glass so no fish can jump out etc..im also doing that

 

[mckostya]

how hot does the room get in summer? fans in canopy can only do so much to cool the water.

 

[Dre]

junior

Some fish and inverts can tolerate high tempratures.Setting up the tank first with whatever light fixture you can aford and let it run through out the summer with no animals might be better, giving the tank time to cycle.Power heads,pumps,sterilizers and lights
give off heat.I am not an expert good luck.

 

[Dre]

Take your time don't rush last year i had to unplug my main pump to bring my temprature down a little on my 120 gal.fish tank with only 80 watts of light.Remember to take notes good luck.