Coralife deluxe, overheating?

zanytomato

zanytomato

AC Members
Jul 31, 2007
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Hi, gang:

I recently purchased a Coralife Deluxe (dual linear with 2 96 watt 6700K strips). On the top it has two vent-like openings on each side (for a total of four). It says on the package that it comes with two cooling fans, which appear to be in the lefthand vents, with only wires appearing in the vents on the right. This appears to be consistent with the packaging which boasts two cooling fans (though odd they put them both on the same side).

Anyhow, I'm in the process of getting this tank set up to move into (my fish, that is) and I've noticed that when running the unit seriously heats on the right-hand side... enough that it hurts to touch it. And the aquarium glass top heats up comparably as well. I understand that it's a fairly high powered unit and so is bound to generate heat, but this doesn't seem right to me. Shouldn't there be a fan on the other side? Does anyone have the same unit and/or want to comment?

Thanks!


Cheers,

zt.
 
I don't have that kind of unit, but perhaps you could use leg brackets to hoist it up off the tank top so that there is more airflow beneath? Also, I think there may even be some small cooling fans you can purchase to place on the side that seems to be overheating.
 
I don't have that exact model but do have a few questions. Do the fans run ALL the time? Do the lights have separate switches? Do you have the fixture setting directly on top of the glass canopy?
 
Hi, dudley:

As best I can tell they always run, but I'll keep an eye out. The lights do have separate switches. The fixture isn't sitting exactly on the class, but on the black trim... but the trim is very thin, so it's effectively on the glass. Maybe I should look at finding some way to raise it up <3Oscar suggests...


Cheers,

-zt.
 
Usually fans on one side and intake grills on other side so air travels from one side to other.

Although never had Coralife PC lighting, JBJ PC did get hot by the location of ballast, but not to the point being untouchable..
 
I would definitely recommend raising the fixture so there is at least 2" of space below the fixture. You can temporarily use wooden blocks or something similar until you can get legs for the fixture.

I have the 72" long Lunar Aqualight with 4- 96W bulbs and 4 fans (2 fans on each end & 4 vents in the center). One switch operates the front pair of bulbs, 2nd switch operates the rear pair of bulbs and 3rd switch operates the blue lunar lights.

It does generate a fair amount of heat so I got the adjustable black legs but had to remove the inner legs to allow it to sit properly on my glass canopy. It works great now.

Also, my fans only come on when the front light is on so that is my main light. Coralife does not recommend running the fixture without the fans on.

Hope this helps somewhat.
 
This is great, everyone, thanks!

I'll raise it up and see how it works. :)
 
The Aqualight Deluxe mounting legs are what you want to use. They come in black or clear. The heat you feel in the light is normal. The fans blow cool air into the fixture and then the air picks up heat from the ballasts and lamps as it travels down the length of the fixture before exiting on the opposite side. Consequently one side feels cool and the other hot. The fixture itself is a heat sink and radiates heat from the lamps outward to the ambient enviroment.
 
Great, thanks Narwhal! I went to the fish store and found some today (well, they have to bring them across town from another location).

And thanks again, everyone!
 
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