Originally Posted by jon2arch
First off, nice looking tank.
My question to you is regarding the Aquapod. I have the same set-up as you in regards to tank and lights. What does your water temperature get to with the metal halide lights on? After 6 or 7 hours, my temp is anywhere from 80.5 to as high as 81.4.
I was going to leave them on for ten hours but the temp was getting to high after 7 hours so never left them on that long. I see you have a chiller, but did you ever have this problem?
Thanks for the complement. As to temperature , you ask a good question at a good time. I just had an issue with my chiller/heat unit. Due to a series of unfortunate events my water temp spiked to 86. This caused considerable stress to the biotope but it did make me learn more about how important the temperature is. I am planning to use 80 as my new baseline up from 78.
I am now under the impression that if you pick your reef inhabitants from a specific region (i.e. Indio-Pacific) that thrive at higher temps then your only issue is keeping the temperature stable. Your right you will get a 4 or 5 degree spike with the 150 and some type of chiller is, in my opinion, the most effective way to manage it. Fans blowing across the open top that aid in evaporation could be a cost effective solution. I live in California and I am going to buy another chiller when we hit spring. I am now content to keep the temp swings to a minimum.
I don't recommend the CL-85 for the AP 24 with 150. I will be buying 1/15 hp from current. It would seem that is the best tool for the job.
JP