Fan placement in canopy?

Miami Reef · Jul 4, 2021

Looks like my T5’s are saying that it’s too hot in the canopy. How many fans do I need? Where do I place them?

I have 2 of these T5 fixtures but I only have one running and it’s overheating.

Psychedelic Fins · Jul 4, 2021

I have a fan between the lights and the water level that comes on when the tank water temp increases too high. I have an open topped canopy, so I don't have overheating issues for my diy retrofit t5 light fixture. I have run as many as six t5 fixtures without issues. Do you have any way to open up the canopy or at least add vents to let the heat escape?

Miami Reef · Jul 4, 2021

The canopy has drawers but it will look really ugly if the drawers are open. I just took a par reading and with 8 bulbs I’m getting 500 par. I removed 2 bulbs and I raised it. I think the fans will be strong enough to cool 6 bulbs now?

If not, I'll add a bunch of fans that will turn on during the daylight schedule.

Tumey · Jul 4, 2021

Another cheap clip fan directed at the opening in the top of your canopy should help a bunch. If I’m reading things correctly there is an opening in the top of your canopy correct?

Guess I wasn’t paying enough attention to the posts. Lol. I missed that it was @TampaMark saying his canopy was open top.

Psychedelic Fins · Jul 4, 2021

In mine, both ends have an opening that allows air to flow thru. The idea is that the fan will take cooler air from the room, move it between the lights and the tank water, and send it out the other end taking some of the heat with it. While my canopy is open on the top, it could also be accomplished with vents on both ends of an enclosed canopy.

Miami Reef - looks to be plenty of space in your canopy to add vents on both ends if you are still running too hot. Even if your lights are cool enough to run, you will still probably struggle with raising the water temp. The fan helps with both.