29G BioCube MAJOR over heating

[Parker7]

I need some major help right now I have the 29 gallon biocube stock return pump and the oceanic biocube power head, a 26 CFL bulb on the back for my fuge and 20, 3 Watt LEDs running over the tank its a dimmable kit i bought from rapid LED so I could retro fit the top. I keep the front and back flaps open 24/7 and at night when my lights go off the tank will be 30 degrees Celsius. my corals are taking the toll I can tell so I realllyyy need some help on this issue
any advice plz?

 

[BruisedLee]

Hi Parker. I have a the same biocube with stock lighting and pumps. I replaced the two fans and it cooled my tank by about 3 degrees. You might want to invest in a chiller (find one used from Craigslist) or use additional PC fans to cool the surface.

 

[Tankjunkie0481]

I dont have a biocube so I guess my first question would be, Can you add some vent slots or holes with a dremel to improve airflow around the lighting? I know you said you keep the flaps open but does that affect the airflow through the hood as far as efficiently expelling heat per its design. Might also want to reduce the time the lights are actually on to reduce the amount of time the lights are heating the tank and give your water temp time to go down to a lower level at night. Kind of a stair step approach to lowering your temp to reduce the temp shock as you bring it down to a more acceptable level. Definately suggest looking in to a chiller for long term fix. A friend of mine made a nice spacer that actually raised the whole hood another 4 inches above the water line in his Nano cube which dropped his water temp by about 3 degrees during the day. He runs consistenly at 79 degrees during the day without a chiller now. Just a thought.

 

[wabooth555]

I thought LEDs were cool. Are they hot?