any such thing as a temperature switch

[Reefinmike]

it would be really nice if there is or can be made a device that will turn off power (to a metal halide) if the tank temp gets to a certian point.

i would like to wire one so my 400w turns off if thetemp gets above 82.5  the 400w is in the middle so it dosent get the most circulation(air wise) and it makes the most heat.

is there a dream device like this?

[verper]

It's called a thermostat 

You could hook one up to a relay as a DIY project.  Never seen one commercially made.

[aquavista99]

Your best bet is to check everyday for a while to see when your temps rise to a certain level with the 400 watt halide on, then put the ballast on a timer with a shorter photo period (ie, run your 250 watts from 11-9 and run your 400 watt from 11-6 or however long it takes to overheat your system). You may also consider putting in a lesser watt bulb as well if heat remains a problem. Some ballasts allow you to switch to lower watts without changing the wiring etc. I like using 175 watt and 250 watt halides to avoid using chillers or over heating your system. Plus, I am responsible for the electricity bill, so less is more for me .  

[micki]

Yep, there is a device, Here ya go.  Read under controling temperature about 1/2 way down. It will shut lights off if the temperature rises. 

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=NS1131

[verper]

Yep, there is a device, Here ya go.  Read under controling temperature about 1/2 way down. It will shut lights off if the temperature rises. 

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=NS1131

Cah ching!   aquavista99 has it the right way.  A simple 24 hr timer would work good.  If you would hook up a thermostat type device it might go on and off several times a day as the temp increased and decreased. 

[Reefinmike]

ill do the lights on a timer thing. it only takes 5-6 hours with all lights on before things start to get too hot. ill mess around with things a lot. i got a fan to put over my sump, hopefully that will draw off a lot of heat. i also hope i can convince my mom to keep the house at 70 instead of 73 and lower my heaters so it is set at 79. that should bring it up to 82 max but that is a decent swing if all fails then i dont have a problem shelling out 6-700 for a chiller. what would the money do if its not being spent on my tank, sit in my bank and get dusty:D

[ohioreef]

I believe some of the controllers can do that.

[micki]

I believe some of the controllers can do that.

http://www.marinedepot.com/md_viewItem.asp?idproduct=NS1131

Wake up sunshine... 

[ohioreef]

I didn't even follow the link.

[micki]

I didn't even follow the link.

  LOL, just giving you a hard time... 

[rmstevensiii]

I'd try the fan over the sump.  That's worked well for me, though evap goes thru the roof.  I really really REALLY don't want to shell out the bucks for a chiller.  This is only 1 of my hobbies.  Gotta save some $$$ for the www.maso.com site. 

j/k

[micki]

I'd try the fan over the sump.  That's worked well for me, though evap goes thru the roof.  I really really REALLY don't want to shell out the bucks for a chiller.  This is only 1 of my hobbies.  Gotta save some $$$ for the www.maso.com site. 

j/k

LOL LOL LOL... 

I think I may try the fan on the seahorse tank here soon too.  They like it a little cooler than the rest. This might help with the over all temp of the system.

[scott wilson]

www.digitalaquatics.com
The reefkeeper and reefkeeper 2 both will turn off your lights.  They will also turn on your fan first and then if it gets even hotter turn of your lights.

[micki]

www.digitalaquatics.com
The reefkeeper and reefkeeper 2 both will turn off your lights.  They will also turn on your fan first and then if it gets even hotter turn of your lights.

  A lot cheaper than the other one too.

[scott wilson]

I love the reefkeeper I have one RK1 and three RK2's

[bigfalcon36]

You could also consider an IceCap Smartfan.  The fan has a built in thermometer that tells the fan how fast to run according to how hot it gets in side the canopy.

[rmstevensiii]

I have not tried this yet, but it looks interesting and might meet your need.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=819059

[ohioreef]

I love the reefkeeper I have one RK1 and three RK2's

How much of a difference is there between the RK1 and RK2? I'd like to eventually get one, but wasn't sure if I should get the RK1 or RK2.

[scott wilson]

RK1 $219 RK2 $270 +PH probe