chiller needed for 25 gallon!

Jamie1210 · #1 06/28/2006, 12:10 AM

Hi, guys. My tank is a 25 gallon that's around 80 degrees when there's NO light over it. And when my MH/compact flourescents are on, whoa, it gets warm in there. The temperature rose to 87 degrees!!! I need to do something about this ASAP, but since my tank is so small, can I get away w/those ice packs taht ppl put in mini fridges when they go camping or something? Or, can I get some regular fans from walmart and hope the temperature drops a few degrees? Or is the chiller absolutely necessary? If so, which kind do you recommend for a 25 gallon?

Thanks in advance!

Jamie

unimike · #2 06/28/2006, 01:23 AM

80 degrees is within the ideal range so you are okay unless it boosts over 84 degrees then you will probably start worrying.

bertoni · #3 06/28/2006, 02:24 AM

87 F is a bit hot. Can you point a fan at the water surface somehow? That often works wonders, although the evaporation rate can get quite high.

moebetter · #4 06/28/2006, 12:36 PM

87 is mighty hot for a tank-for some reason if the fans dont bring it down they due make a line of chillers for smaller tanks-you can go to marine depot and check them out-the are made by current usa-and start at 299$-just watch that temp so it doesnt bounce around -thats where it will cause your tank problems

ChickenCannoneer · #5 06/28/2006, 12:50 PM

Why not try the mini fridge chiller design? This would be a good sized tank to try that on. Or could you possibly get a small 1/4" cold water line to the tank? If so than you could put a small piece of Titanium inline and run cold water in it. Just a thought to try and help keep you from spending $300 if you don't need to. Good Luck!, Tim

Jamie1210 · #6 06/28/2006, 06:11 PM

chicken, what's the minifridge chiller design? is it something you make? unfortuantely, i'm not that great with diy projects (i've never made anything before! lol)

thanks,
Jamie

ChickenCannoneer · #7 06/28/2006, 06:30 PM

http://www.becnel.net/jim/reef/cool.html

fishylad · #8 06/28/2006, 07:21 PM

I had problems with heat on my 55 with the PC lights on. I ended up getting a 18" fan to blow air across the tank to keep it cool. It is hooked to the timer that controls my lights and does a great job.

I hate the look of it but kept the wife happier than the chiller option and keeps the tank temp controllable