Heat issue

If the tank is heating up to about 82 is it better to unplug the power heads so the motors down generate heat or better to leave them on to keep the water moving a lot?

 

You want to keep the water moving.. But 82 is not bad.. If you end up getting around 86 87 88.. Then it's time to do something(fans/chiller)

 

I'm not quite sure. Evaporation is directly correlated with water and air "velocity", which is increased as you have that movement.

82 isn't too extreme a temp, though. I wouldn't worry about it if it doesn't get higher.

 

Yowsa! DO NOT turn off your power heads! The tank needs the circulation and oxygen. Buy a little fan (computer, or made for the aquarium) and let it blow over the display water or sump.

 

I've got two fans blowing in across the bulbs on each end and two sucking air out the back!
I have central air on, but with the two 175 MH they always heat things up a little.
Its late in the day and they will only be on another couple hours so if Im at 82 now I should be fine. I just opened the front of the canopy too.

 

1+ But if you get a computer make sure its not 12v. learn from my mistake

 

Wow, your fans should do the trick.....82 isn't bad, if that is the highest or maybe even 84 you will be good as long as the low isn't 5 or more degrees under. I know chillers, even small ones, are real pricey but it may become inevitable. Or, when the halides get old think of going to LEDs.

 

If you can try raising the lights a few inches higher over the water, then aim one of the fans at the waters surface.