Temp Fluctuation Tests - opinions?

[mandown123]

Hi all

I was running some tests over the weekend on my new 75 gallon build. I am running a 2x250w MH with 2x54w T5 fixture over the standard 75.

The temp started at 77-78 and after running the lights for ~7 hours, the temp was at 80-81 degrees.

Is this too high of a jump? I will be adding a fuge below (currently only running in the main tank while it cycles) and possibly a fan to blow over the top of the water a little more. Do you think this will be stable enough all summer? Trying to avoid another 500$ expenditure on the chiller. Thanks

 

[da5speed]

I keep my tank around 79 at night cause its drops less. Mine hits 81 and have seen it go up to 85 last summer on the hot days I also keep a 2 liter bottle with water in the freezer for those hot hot day.

 

[pecan2phat]

IMO, metal halides along with PCs, T5s or VHO supplements will raise your water temperature by 6-7 degrees if the ambient room temperature is above 72 degrees. Fans will help but unless you plan to keep that room AC'd you will probably be looking for a chiller in the near future.

 

[greggnyce]

Cut the halides to 6hrs an run the t5s for 7 or 8.

 

[mandown123]

thanks, yes I was going to run them 6 hours (less to break in my corals at first), so I ran an 8 hour test to see what the temp would be. I don;t think the few degrees was that bad, but lord knows one hot hot day can change things.

6 hours is good though I think.

 

[mandown123]

question. what is the cheapest way I can achieve this:

an auto shutoff for my lights if the temp gets to a certain level. Reef controllers do this, correct? I would need it only to monitor the temp tho and control the shutoff. I know nothing of reef controllers, I'm sure you guys know stuff.

Thanks

 

[rookie07]

Buy a quality controller(Not a item you want to buy cheap, b/c if it breaks you are screwed), and buy fans or a chiller(fans are much cheaper). The controller will control your heater and fans/chiller.
My controller range is 78.4-80.2

 

[Social D]

Ive found the best way to control heat from halibes is to use a dimable ballast (Ok chillers work but cost more).

They are great beacause you can easily vary the wattage with a turn of a button, Really helps when you run 400w like i do.

 

[pecan2phat]

You can control lights (halide & T5s separately) to shut down at a given temperature and also have it come back on after x-amount of time with a controller as inexpensive as an Aqua Controller Jr.
You can connect any fans/chiller, heaters to it and monitor/control your PH.

http://www.reefgeek.com/equipment/C...ial_Port,_Temp_Probe_&_DC8_by_Neptune_Systems

Add $40 if you want the PH probe.