I need help computing the BTU/hr required to cool a closed orchid case, and was wondering if someone here can help.
The case is roughly 42 cu. ft., 7 feet long x 2 feet wide x 3 feet high. It is lit by a 400W metal-halide light with a reflector suspended about 2" over the case, shining down into it through glass panels. Pretty much all the light goes into the case. This is the only source of heat other than ambient room temperature, which can rise to the mid-80's F.
I'm trying to determine what size cooling unit I need, and am looking at some Melcor thermoelectric units (such as their MAA070T, see These come in various sizes from 50-1200 BTU/hr. When the ambient temperature is, say, 85F and the light is on, I want to be able to hold the interior of the case to 72F.
I'm hoping someone here can give me a ballpark computation for the unit size that will do the trick, or point me in the right direction. Thanks!
-Tom
The case is roughly 42 cu. ft., 7 feet long x 2 feet wide x 3 feet high. It is lit by a 400W metal-halide light with a reflector suspended about 2" over the case, shining down into it through glass panels. Pretty much all the light goes into the case. This is the only source of heat other than ambient room temperature, which can rise to the mid-80's F.
I'm trying to determine what size cooling unit I need, and am looking at some Melcor thermoelectric units (such as their MAA070T, see These come in various sizes from 50-1200 BTU/hr. When the ambient temperature is, say, 85F and the light is on, I want to be able to hold the interior of the case to 72F.
I'm hoping someone here can give me a ballpark computation for the unit size that will do the trick, or point me in the right direction. Thanks!
-Tom
