how do you do it?

[Steven0000]

i am putting together a 5.5G nano

and when you guys put the lights on how do you keep it from overheating?
i know a lot of you dont use cooling systems
i know haveing fans arnt enough
and im not talking about a refugium that cycles colder water back into the tank

[oddiseus]

That all depends on what type of lights you use and how far away they are from your water. Also I think water movement has a lot to do with it. Post some details and we might be able to better help you.
-Odd

[Steven0000]

well i am going to have an azoo plam filter and a small power head i wanted the light to be flourescents because i live up stairs and the heat comes straight up

i was thinking of getting the "mini aqualight" by dr foster and dr smith
it is only one true actinic and one 10k but im not requiring a lot of light

thats about it
do you think it will stay cool enough if i keep my room at 78 degrees?

[oddiseus]

I think as long as your powerhead isn't giving off too much heat you should be fine. Those flourescents shouldn't heat your tank up much. If the ambient temp is in the 78 degree area you might see the tank at around 80-81 ish. Most people try to keep their tanks at around 77 so you might want to adjust your ambient temp in the room. Also Do a water only test with the powerhead and lights on. Leave the lights on for a full cycle of about 9 hours or so then check your temp.

-Odd

[Pico Keeper]

I have a 5.5

It's running 2*24w PC's. I chose the PC's because they give off less heat than the a 70watt metal halide.

The only other things adding heat to my tank are an ac500 fuge, 2 ac20's hanging off the sides, and the 25w finnex heater.

The tank is in a 72 degree room. We like the house cold, so that helps. The heater is on 75% of the time. With the heater off, but lights and pumps running the tank stays at about 75-77 degrees.