12 Gallon DX Temp. Problem

[headtreads]

Hello everyone. I am having a problems with my 12 Gallon JBJ DX. For some odd reason, my temperature seem to always linger around 82-85 degrees. I know that after 86 my tank is toast. I tried turning the heater of. I even tried running the light for an hour less. The only thing I added other than the heater is the little Rio 200. I know that a pump wouldn't have too much effects on the tempature. Please let me know what I can do about this. Thanks in advance guys

 

[snarkes]

Ah yes, I think anyone that has or had a 12dx feels your pain. I sure did. I replaced the stock pump with a maxijet 600 and then replaced the fans with evercool fans that push more air. My tank has stabilized at about 80 degrees. You can look around on nanocustoms.com or nanotuners.com for ideas, but talk to chris with nanocustoms and he can help you out. Basically, I think it comes down to the heat shield in the stock hood not allowing for enough air flow to remove the heat.

 

[Big Ying]

Switch to a minijet 600 and it will keep it atleast in the low 80's, which is fine. The brand of pump can make a difference in temperature. By the way, don't ever buy an Azoo, even the little ones can overheat terribly.

 

[headtreads]

So how do people with Halides deal with it then? My nano only has power compacts and it's already irritating. RIght now, ny tank is at a stable 83 degrees. Is that OK? There are some places saying the best temperature is between 79-81 and some say just don't go past 86. What is the highest would you guys leave it at?

 

[snarkes]

The folks with halides probably dont have a closed canopy or have modified the hood highly with lots of cooling fans. I would think that if you can keep it at 83 and lower (but stable... large fluctuations are bad) then you should be ok.

 

[waterfaller1]

I run a MJ900 in mine..my house is kept at 70 though. I'd get that Rio out of there..too many horror stories.

 

[headtreads]

I tried listing up the front lid all day and it seems to stabilize at 80. I did that yesterday so hopefully after I get home, it will still be at that temperature.

 

[Big Ying]

I did that too and had a clownfish jump out and die. You never know. I'd be satisfied with 83 degrees and keep the lid shut, unless you can improvise something to stop jumpers.

 

[theop]

There is a suggested modification (I think posted on another forum) that is supposed to help with the temps. It involves taking the reflective heat shield and making it flat to improve the airflow. Also, I have read that reversing the fans so that they blow inward can help.

 

[headtreads]

I will try to do that with the fan and the heat shield. I actually am trying something right now. I am lifting up the whole hood with lights and all, lifting it about two inches up. I am keeping it up by using some cut up pieces of wood. Hopefuly more air would pass though the light and keep it cooler. I will keep you guys posted.

 

[dj synystr]

that kind of defeats the whole purpose of the lid then does't?

 

[EMBRYOGUY]

just reverse the fans to blow inward.....

 

[headtreads]

Alright, score one for me. 80.1 degrees and holding. Its perfect I think. But now I have some flower pots not fully extending. I checked all the levels and it seems ok. Ph, salinity, alkalinity, nitrite, nitrate, amonia calcium, phosphate, iodine and I think thats it. I have no clue. Maybe they got used to burning up and now they are trying to adjust. Who knows, any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Big Ying]

It might have just been their time to start petering out on you. Probably has nothing to do with the lights. Those things are notorius for that.

 

[headtreads]

damn, up to 84 again. Im about to smash this tank to pieces.