Quick lighting and temp question

[ck_503]

what temp is considered too high? Also, how many hours a day do you run your MH? I have a 42 g with a 250 W MH going 9 hours a day...is that too much? I have a custom built canopy for it so it's not too close at all to the water. Just curious.

 

[tangs123]

it just matters how hot your tank gets, anything that fluctuates between 5 degrees can be harmful IMO

 

[dogstar]

Depends on the species you have, some are more sensitive than other and some corals will grow faster the longer you leave the lights on and too much can harm some. Fans and vents built into the canopies can help lower the water temps some.

 

[ck_503]

I have fans built into my canopy. My tank actually has been cycling for 12 weeks and I just added to clowns to start me out. I'm showing 82 degrees F in my tank so is that too hot? Also, again, how long do you all leave your Metal Hallides on for each day?

 

[dogstar]

I run mine 12 hours but I have a lot of corals and anemones.. Fish do not need strong lights but most coral and anemones will. 82F is OK for most of what is generally kept in the hobby as long as it does not get any higher and does not drop more than a couple degres at night. Somewhere in between 75F to 82F and stable IMO is more healthier for livestock.