How high to mount lights?

[Gdbyrd]

No. Sure don't. If I had a heater wouldn't it make the temps even higher with the lights? Or how does that work?

With me fan its been a constant 74 or so. But adding the lights jumped it up pretty fast.

 

[dcantucson]

No because it would shut off once it reaches 78 (or where you set it). &9 down to 74 at night is too much of a drop! IMO

 

[ccCapt]

Assuming your planning on a reef, 74 is way too cold. Jack that up to at least 78 and try to keep it there, or within a few degrees all the time. 78-80 is perfect for corals.

 

[Gdbyrd]

That's what I figured. Alright any ideas on what type of heater I should pick up? Ill do that today. God I hope everything in my tank is still alive. I hate having to mess with this stuff without being there.

 

[dcantucson]

Get a good titanium one and a good controller.

 

[Gdbyrd]

Any specific brands? For now I'm going to have to pick somethin up at pets mart.

I really hope my clowns are ok.

 

[yote]

http://www.reefgeek.com/lighting/Metal_Halide/Bulbs/250_Watt/250W_14000K_Metal_Halide_Bulb_by_Ushio

Since you'll be needing a new bulb.Heres one to think about.:D

Instead of getting one heater for the whole tank,get 2 smaller heaters.That way if the stat sticks,it shouldnt boil the tank.

 

[dcantucson]

yote I keep forgetting about that. Of all people, how could I. Duh.
Yote is right 2 small heaters not one.

 

[Gdbyrd]

Well, picked up two last night. Temp last night with the light on was 78ish. I put my two heaters in the tank and this morning the tank was 78.

Called the wife an hour ago. Temps were 80ish. A little under. So looks like its going pretty good.


Thank you all for the advice.
Good week. Got my nitrates under 10, got my light setup(still need a new bulb), and got my temps situated.

And its been over a month since my last fish so tomorrow I'm gonna start looking.

 

[dcantucson]

Progress, progress, progress! Glad you got your temperature under control.

 

[Gdbyrd]

Grr. Well called the wife and the tank is now 81 degrees. Lights have been on now for 8 hours.

From 78ish to 81, is that too much of a swing?

Capt mentioned my light should be higher, would picking it up a few inches help? Should I get another fan?

Thanks guys

 

[yote]

Raising the light even just a couple of inches will do a lot to help the temps.
I wouldnt worry about another fan just yet.

 

[Bifferwine]

Staying within 3 degrees over a 24 hour period is just fine. 78 to 81 is perfect.

 

[Gdbyrd]

I ended up raising the light a little bit, now 9" above the tank, the temps stay at 78-79 all the time. Hopefully that's not too high to place the light.

 

[dcantucson]

Glad you got it stabilized. 9" is not an excessive height in my opinion.