Where should I mount my lighting ballasts

[danreef55]

I can mount my ballasts either under the stand or on top of the canopy. Under the stand is wide open because I am using a basement sump. The downside of in the cabinet is potential heat build up/ What are the downside of on the canopy?

 

[Reefer Matt]

The only thing I can think of on the canopy is dust collection over time. Things tend to get forgotten about up there on my fowlr canopy. Under the stand could work with a couple usb fans on them.

 

[cilyjr]

Like you, my cabinet underneath my tank is empty. I ended up mounting them there.

 

[danreef55]

Like you, my cabinet underneath my tank is empty. I ended up mounting them there.

Do they impact your tank temperature?

 

[cilyjr]

Do they impact your tank temperature?

Nope. I have 6 of them and I recently put an infrared thermometer on them. Each Alex gets to about 120°

 

[cilyjr]

Do they impact your tank temperature?

I mean, there may be some ambient temperature exchange. Exchange. Maybe it means my heaters run less in the winter.

I live in a very mild climate where the temperature rarely gets above 75° or below 45. Though. This week I did see 38...

I think I recall speaking to you before and I believe you are someplace up north where it gets much colder. I would count it as free extra heating in the winter time. And in the summer if what you're doing can't dissipate that extra heat. You've got bigger problems and would likely need a chiller regardless.