Low-E Glass and MH-Based Aquariums

In an attempt to work out better methods of keeping a tank cool, would it not be possible to have a sheet of Low-E glass suspended slightly below your MH lamps yet high enough above the aquarium so as not to create a greenhouse, essentially suppressing most of the lamp's heat transfer to the tank?

There are also a number of films available that do the same thing, most offering clear versions (no tint). The only thing i'm not certain about is whether it affects PAR.

The technology has been around a very long time, surely there's a reason it's not feasible?

Cheers,
HP

 

It sounds like you wish to hang the MH in a pendent with glass sheilding closer to the water to filter the UV. I am not a fan of a MH bulb being exposed, I have seen them explode first hand. From what you have here I think the answer is yes - but I might opt to raise the bulb further up and add a fan first.

If you do this please take notes and pictures including all your measurements. good luck !

 

opp's you said Low-e glass ! yes, I think that would work but you are going to be reflecting that heat right up at the light fixture and might run into trouble there.

 

Hey man,

I meant any MH fixture regardless of existing casement option, but personally had planned on trying it with a 36" Sunpod. The light fixture itself isn't altered, merely partitioned off from the water by the low-e. I had envisaged 4-6" of space between each level (water surface, Low-E, MH).

You're right about the reflected heat, wouldn't a fan or two fix that? They could be directed in such a way as to not cause any additional evaporation usually associated with fans as they have to cool the "shaft" between the light and glass, not the water.

Update: After speaking with a gal at Aquactinics about their T5/MH fixtures (that sit directly on the tank without causing overheating), the idea is a bit useless to me now as I'll be steering in that direction. Hopefully this might still be of use to anyone with a custom MH-based hood or whatever, though.