Do metal halides require a chiller?

[john fidler]

Been thinking of upgrading my weak lighting to metal halides. Like a lot of folks, started out with FOWLR and have since added some shrooms and zoas. They seem OK with my current 130w of PC lighting (50/50) bulbs, but was thinking of gojng with a combo fixture, like the Outer Orbits, 2 MHs and 2 actinics with lunar lights. I see that these fixtures comes with built in fans and hanging kits.

Since I've never used MH, would this mean I need a chiller? My tank temperature currently stays around 78 - 80 degrees with just the weak PCs.

Thanks.

[JW Jersey]

Well I have duel 250w hqi's about 10 inches off the surface of the water. They are mounted in a canopy, with no fan blowing in there but I do have a 4 inch icecap fan blowing on my sump 24/7.
My temp never goes over 80 degrees. I keep my house the same temp all year around which is 68-70F We both live in nj with pretty much the same climate. Happy Reefing........John

[Drewcipher]

You might. You won't know until you try it, but you would have to keep a very close eye so you don't overheat. The change in light would also be harsh on the corals you have. I messed up some mushrooms just going to T5s.

[danferd2002]

yes start out with the light only on for an hour, then increase the time its on slowly. Also start out with the light high over the tank and lower slowly.

[Ti]

not always, depends on alot of things.

[moonpod]

Ambient temps. Airflow. MH wattage. What pumps you're running. Lots of factors

[TimberTDI]

Another method of aclimating the corals to the light is utilizing the screen method. Do a search for it. Basically you use multiple layers of screens to difuse the light.

As far as chillers. Like other posters stated, it all depends on your conditions.

[supertech3]

I agree with the others, in your environment you may just need a couple of fans. I needed one because I live in the south and the tank temp would be at 82 in 4hrs of light use. Use danferds method.