keeping tank temp cool...

[SexiShrimp]

Hey all,

I noticed that my tank temp went up about 2 degrees or so (from 78-81). Today was a warm day...any warmer and I prob would have turned on the air....but anyhow, what is an inexpensive way to keep my tank from getting warm in the hotter days to come?

I thought of putting some of the tank water in the fridge for a while and slowly pouring it in

I also thought of freezing a small water bottle and dipping it into the tank.

Does anyone have any other ideas?

Maybe a small change in water temp isn't a big deal...but I tend to baby my tank TONS!

Any help and opinions will be appreciated!
:)
Mimi

[SanFranTodd]

I freeze 2-liter soda bottles and put them in the sump on hot days. You can leave the caps off and as it melts it will slowly add water to top-off.

There is no substitute for cooling by evaporation though, pointing some fans at the surface or sump...

[Sir Knight]

Mimi,
One of the easier ways of cooling a tank a few degrees is with evaporative cooling. This is done by placing a fan at the top of the tank and having the air blow across the water. Place the fan so it is pushing air across the entire length of the tank pushing the warm air away from the tank.

Hope this helps

[fishdoc11]

Agree about evaporative cooling with the fans. That's how I get away with not buying a chiller. 81F is fine for your tank, 85F is considered the danger point and of course it's good to stay a little below that. I usually don't worry unless my temp gets to about 83F, then I will turn the air on etc...If you do pour cold water into the tank be carefull. A large sudden drop in temp is a bad thing.
Chris

[alprazo]

I have two sumps. One under the tank for winter, and I switch to one in the basement for the summer. It is cheaper than a chiller or the AC. I also have a temp controller that kills the lights if the temp climbs above 84. I rather have a dark tank than a cooked one.

[reewik]

My solution is to run the AC and keep the house at 69 to 72... lol love the invention of AC!!!

[gflat65]

I second reewik. Of course, I have high volume 4" fans to help out too. They're a little noisy (low humm), but they keep the temp pretty constant

[SexiShrimp]

thanks guys! That info helps a lot!
:) :)

[alprazo]

Check inreef.com for fans. 4" fans for $14.99.

[fishdoc11]

Or you could check out www.allelectronics.com 4.72" fans for $4. I have had 2 on my 75 for 1.5 yrs and still going strong. Plus at that rate you can afford to keep spares around.
Chris

[SexiShrimp]

will look into the fans! Thanks!!!

[reewik]

I also run a fan.. 4" blowing over the top for evaporation cooling + air is a winning combo for me