Lighting Question

[bigdave2009]

Hello,

I have recently purchased a new light for my tank. It is a satellite light, which is mounted on my tank. It has 3 cords, one for the lunar light, one for fluorescent/acintic compact light, and one for the fan. When is it okay to turn the fan off? Reason being that it is very loud. So far, I have turned it off at night when I am using my Lunar Lighting. I also can set in on a timer if this helps?

Dave

 

[Chrispixx]

I've never seen a light with a fan before. What does the fan do? cool the bulb or the whole fixture? It might be best to get a timer at your local home center. All my tanks are on timers, this way the fish get used to a day-night cycle.

 

[Luketendo]

Only turn it off when It's totally needed. Make sure this is after the lights have gone out.

 

[mark.w.jones]

Only turn it off when It's totally needed. Make sure this is after the lights have gone out.

I disagree with this. The idea with a fan like this is that it runs for a period of time after the light goes out to help cool the bulb as its temperature cools.

 

[JimShorts]

I'd put both the light and fan on timers. Have them both come on at the same time in the morning, but have the fan keep going for 30-60 minutes after the main light is turned off in order to help the bulb cool.

 

[Luketendo]

Only turn it off when It's totally needed. Make sure this is after the lights have gone out.

I disagree with this. The idea with a fan like this is that it runs for a period of time after the light goes out to help cool the bulb as its temperature cools.

Isn't it on during the light period?

 

[mark.w.jones]

Isn't it on during the light period?

I'm not sure how it works so I suppose so. I imagained it was a bit like a data projector though and that you needed to keep the fan running on the bulb for a bit once you turned it off.

 

[bigdave2009]

thanks for the help everyone! The fan does not have to be on when the light is on, it is optional. I have tried it with it off for about an hour to two hours, and it didnt even seem hot! But, I think i will set it on timers so that they are both on for a certain period of time (and the fan will have breaks). I dont think I HAVE to have both on at the same time. It's a really nice light, but it just can be noisy thats all. once i post pictures in the fish aquarium page, you can take a look at it if you would like.

Dave

 

[rdd1952]

With most PC lights, the fan is needed to keep the bulbs cool. Not certain, but not running the fans could cause the bulbs to heat up enough to melt the plastic shield that most lights have to prevent water from being splashed up onto the bulbs. My Coralife lights have the fan and lights on the same switch so they are always on together. I'm sure there is a reason for that.