Now that I have some creatures in my tank

[Meredith]

I have been leaving the lights on all day, and today my temp crept up to about 81. I cant leave the hood open because of my cats, so what do I do about the heat? I don't want to cook my critters. I got a banded coral shrimp, and a cowry snail yesterday. pics are here http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=51398

I noticed one of the heaters had moisture inside the glass so I pulled it out. It was on pretty much all the time from what I could see. If the lights heat the water to 80/81 during the day, can I just set the other heater to that temp so it will come on at night? Or is that too hot?

 

[dralarms]

Yes you sure could, but to be sure you need to see if the lights are actually heating the water that much.

 

[Meredith]

ok. Thanks

 

[Oceanicsublimat]

my lights are pc lights that sit right on top of my aquarium and they heat the water up a great deal.. I installed an eggcrate and a fan and now the temp is stabilized

 

[Meredith]

This is a little embarrassing, but I am not sure what eggcrate is. When people say eggcrate, I think of the paper type container you get your eggs in at the supermarket. I know this isn't right, so what is it?

 

[Fluff]

It's the plastic grating they use for florescent light fixtures. You'd buy it at HD in the lighting department.

 

[webmoose]

here is a link to photo of it:

http://www.indianaelectricalsales.com/louvers/pics/alumTCa.jpg

 

[Meredith]

ahhh! that stuff you have to push up and wiggle out of the ceiling to change the lightbulbs? That will help with the heat? And the plastic doesn't get all warpy ( that is a word )

 

[Meredith]

Oh, not what I thought. Ok, so what about splashing water and or condensation on the light fixtures.

 

[Fluff]

You'll get salt creep but it allows for better gas exchange and help with heat issues. I keep an open top tank so I'm used to the "creep". Cleans up easy with a damp rag. Just keep the water level high enough so there is no splashing.

 

[Meredith]

Excellent! Thanks guys

 

[Oceanicsublimat]

On my tank I had more saltcreep with the glass top..