Chill'n/Fish Under Glass????

Thinking about getting an MH for my 60 gal Hex. 24" accross 30" Deep. Is it necessary to get a chiller to controll the heat?

Is a cover possible with MH...don't want my triplets to leave any surprises in my tank?

 

I've run a 75G for 3 years now without a chiller. At times the temp does get to levels I don't like. But I found with some fans on the really hot days everything is fine.

If you buy a fixture it typically will come with glass over the MH. I wouldn't cover the tank with glass

J

 

Thanks. I've been looking at a Sunpod 150W. Do yoou think thats enough for 30" Depth? Also how wide spread is the heat from the MH outside the width of the light? I'm wondering if I can put some of that plastic grating from Home Depot over the section the light doesn't cover without melting it?

Thanks Again.

 

That's a cool Light!
What do you want to keep in the tank. I currently have a 250W HQI hamilton pendant over a 30inch high tank and I get good light to the bottom.
Not sure if you want to keep clams and SPS if 150 would be enought.

actually I think Matt runs a 150W over his tank but it's shorter than yours

Why do you want to cover the tank?

 

Thanks again. I have 8yo triplets. I don't want any thing to fall into the tank by accident. They can get pretty wild.

I'd like to have some soft corals and maybe some day some SPS.

 

Most manufactures don't recommend anything less than 250 for a tank that deep. If you go with a 150 everything will need to be near the top.

 

I have read that it is really necessary to add fans to a halide fixture, it will also extend the life of the bulb.

While we are on the subject, do you guys think I should protect a SE mogul base bulb from splash?

 

Going Topless

What is and SE Mogal base?

I've decided after reading here to go with just the MH PC Combo hood no other top!

 

SE - Single ended
DE - Double Ended
Mogul basse -- Large screw in type base. About twice the size of a regular light bulb - Which is called -- medium base.

Jim

 

No specific experience with MH bulbs like that but wow I sure think protecting it from splash would be a good idea.
I'd also get a GFI installed.