heat from lights raising temp

[ebeckels]

I got 2 new 96 watt lights. The heat from them is making the temp rise. I am getting a starfish in about an hour and i know they are very sensitive to this stuff. What can i do to raise the lights off of the tank? Is that what a canopy is for? Does anyone know where i can get a 46 bowed canopy? Could i just raise the lights with wood or something? Anyone have any ideas how i can get these lights to be on without raising my temp? A cost effective way would be good, being that i am still in college and have little money.

 

[twoods71]

A quick cheap temporary solution would be to try a clip on fan.

 

[tomato clown]

Here's a thought for ya. Try hanging it so it will hover above your tank. Basically go to the local hardware store and buy either butterfly bolts, or ceiling hooks and enougn chain-link (doesn't have to be heavy duty unless you have alot of weight) and some nuts and bolts(2bolts per. nut)
Ancor the butterfly or the hooks into the ceiling then dangle the chain-link from this, make 2 small holes on the outter side of the fixture. place 1 nut on the bolt insert it into the hole then screw the other nutt from the inside of the fixture (you will need ample room on the bolt for the chain to attach)
Do this on both sides of your light fixture and you will be able to raise and lower it untill you get it just right.
Total time should be about an hour (store not included)
Total cost should be no more than $30.
I used to do this all the time when I was in construction, it'll work great!
here is a cheesy attempt at a diagram but will give ya an idea:
I I
I I I I
I I I I
2BOLTS~>

[hr]
<~2BOLTS
////////
_______________
tank~tank
good luck
Dan

 

[tomato clown]

ok diagram didnt work too well, but I shouldda thought of that fan idea....LoL

 

[ebeckels]

i think i'll try the fan idea. I'd probably do the hanging idea except i am in college and i am moving in may because i will graduate. I doubt my landlord would like me doing this and i know i don't want to put in some work that i have to take down in a few months and then might have to pay some fees on top of that. It's a real good idea though. Thank you. I will print it out and try it when i have a more permanent place.

 

[robinfly]

After recently upgrading my lighting from 2 to 4 96W PC's, I decided to install a 3" fan at the rear of my canopy. I couldn't be more pleased with how well it works. It doesn't feel like it's blowing much air, but it's made my PC retrofit reflector cool to the touch. Before adding the fan, the reflector was hot enough to burn hair off of my arm whenever I brushed against it!

 

[ebeckels]

ya my reflector is burning hot too... i'm gonna go get the fan soon... i have to wait to acclimate my blue star. Thanks a lot!