not really, I used an infered thermometer and the temp is only a degree or 3 higher than the ambient. Once water goes across it, it will cool down. In a ebb and flow situation it is covered in in a layer of media anyways. Also once the fan leaves get big enough they shade the bottom and not an issue. I use them in my system. For 12 bucks you could also afford to go buy white paint and make it a lighter shade