The light actually runs so cool that I was able to put my tank covers back on. Haven't had those on since my old 2xT5 fixture bit the dust! I've still got a fan on the tank just to make sure it doesn't stagnate in there (and just because I have it really...ordered the blasted thing just days before the T5 fixture died), but the ability to use covers again sure does open up stocking opens fish-wise, not to mention not having to poor in a half gallon or more of RO every day to keep the sg where it belongs.
Also been reading some stuff on the skimmers and such. It's got more things that concern me now than just the nutrient export options. Here's another red flag I didn't think about:
(from http/reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-08/nftt/ )
I'm fully reliant on surface agitation and in-tank O2 production from photosynthesis for O2. I don't know how big a risk the bacterial blooms actually are though. It may be that they're less likely than macro bombs...or maybe they're like macro bombs not even that big of an issue if you have good surface agitation in place already (most ranks don't). Need to read more on that.
Also been reading some stuff on the skimmers and such. It's got more things that concern me now than just the nutrient export options. Here's another red flag I didn't think about:
Before running to the liquor cabinet, the simple answer is overdosing can cause serious and detrimental effects to the reef system. To help circumvent this potential issue a dosing regimen along with some basic equipment is needed. The absolute must is the requirement for a powerful skimmer. People that have reported beneficial results using this method all have had strong skimmer and report a change in skimmate from a light brown to a strong odiferous black sludge. This makes a good skimmer a key requirement and important for two reasons:
1. Gas exchange. The increased bacterial biomass and growth will decrease your dissolved O2 levels in the water column. Too much vodka can result in a drastic decrease of O2 and can cause stress to your reef inhabitants, if not death.
2. Exporting bacteria/macromolecule mass. Vodka addition results in lower NO3 and PO4 levels. You will want to export the incorporated nitrogen and phosphates that you are cultivating by organic carbon dosing. Efficient skimming allows such removal.
(from http/reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-08/nftt/ )
I'm fully reliant on surface agitation and in-tank O2 production from photosynthesis for O2. I don't know how big a risk the bacterial blooms actually are though. It may be that they're less likely than macro bombs...or maybe they're like macro bombs not even that big of an issue if you have good surface agitation in place already (most ranks don't). Need to read more on that.