Dual 400w with 10k over 75 gal

newbie · 06-27-2005, 01:23 PM

Can anyone tell me what problems I might have running 2 X 400w 10K MH's over a 75 gallon tank. What height should they be off the water? I just picked up 2 ballasts and will be making enclosures for them as well as a new canopy. I am looking to put the lights 8 to 10 inches above the water with 2 doors on the front of the canopy for access.

***Reefland*** · 06-27-2005, 02:03 PM

Heat will be the main problem, and of course coral acclimation for new acquires. I would place the lights 11-15" from the surface and make sure that you have plenty of fans to vent the enclosure. If this doesn't keep the tank cool enough you will have to look into a chiller.

**Poseidon** · 06-27-2005, 03:32 PM

I can almost GUARENTEE the need for a chiller! I have 2 250W 10K's over my 90 with a 30 gallon sump, and I had temp very near 90! With the canopy open I could manage 84-85 as long as it is not hot in the house too!

I think Scott is right about the height too, my bulbs sit about 7" off the water. I am quite sure that contributes to the heat problem.

newbie · 06-27-2005, 04:36 PM

Well house temp is not a problem, central A/C @ 74 degrees. As for the hood, i was kinda hoping to mount the lights in the top of the unit and leaving the top panel that would cover the lights open. its a shame I can not get away with just 1.

**charlie** · 06-28-2005, 08:01 AM

You will probably have heat problems unless they are at least 13" of the water surface. Are you going to install any fans in the canopy?

06-27-2005, 01:23 PM	#1
newbie Just Moved In Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 42	Dual 400w with 10k over 75 gal Can anyone tell me what problems I might have running 2 X 400w 10K MH's over a 75 gallon tank. What height should they be off the water? I just picked up 2 ballasts and will be making enclosures for them as well as a new canopy. I am looking to put the lights 8 to 10 inches above the water with 2 doors on the front of the canopy for access.

06-27-2005, 02:03 PM	#2
*Reefland* Owner Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Bardstown, KY Posts: 13,030	Heat will be the main problem, and of course coral acclimation for new acquires. I would place the lights 11-15" from the surface and make sure that you have plenty of fans to vent the enclosure. If this doesn't keep the tank cool enough you will have to look into a chiller. __________________ Scott Z. 75 Gallon Reef Log Powered by Reefland's Personal Online Aquarium Log

06-27-2005, 03:32 PM	#3
Poseidon Moderator Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Swartz Creek, MI Posts: 6,248	I can almost GUARENTEE the need for a chiller! I have 2 250W 10K's over my 90 with a 30 gallon sump, and I had temp very near 90! With the canopy open I could manage 84-85 as long as it is not hot in the house too! I think Scott is right about the height too, my bulbs sit about 7" off the water. I am quite sure that contributes to the heat problem. __________________ Need a Photographer? Just say NO to CRABS Mike

06-28-2005, 08:01 AM	#5
charlie Keeper of Willis Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: NW Montana Posts: 5,715	You will probably have heat problems unless they are at least 13" of the water surface. Are you going to install any fans in the canopy? __________________ 400 Gallon Reef Log Rome wasn't built in a day---neither is a reef

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

06-27-2005, 04:36 PM	#4
newbie Just Moved In Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 42	Well house temp is not a problem, central A/C @ 74 degrees. As for the hood, i was kinda hoping to mount the lights in the top of the unit and leaving the top panel that would cover the lights open. its a shame I can not get away with just 1.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
F/S Dual 400w MH, 46g bow, some other stuff	Jess	For Sale or Trade Zone	0	04-01-2004 10:13 AM
75 gal. replacement up and running	EMS503	Reef Aquariums	6	02-08-2003 11:40 AM
My 75 gal update	Reefs Rock	Tanks, Filtration & Basic Equipment	2	06-24-2002 09:47 PM
75 Gal Reef Setup	Reefraff	For Sale or Trade Zone	0	01-31-2002 04:47 PM
225 gal reef vs 75 gal reef.	Rin	Reef Aquariums	4	01-18-2002 11:21 AM