When to get a chiller

-TS-Vash · #1 08/30/2005, 04:51 PM

I just got some new lights and my tanks temp is getting higher and i wanted to know what temp you find best to have your tank at and do you think i might need a chiller ? My temp is 83 with the 1 of my 3 lights off and the glass tops taken off.

kau_cinta_ku · #2 08/30/2005, 04:55 PM

before spending mucho on a chiller i would try a fan placed on the sump if you have one or on top of your tank pointed at the water. and see if that helps first.

-TS-Vash · #3 08/30/2005, 05:05 PM

I dont have a sump right now but i will in a month do you think my tank will be ok untill then what is the hottest my tank can get before the coral and fish will start to have problems ?

xtrstangx · #4 08/30/2005, 05:09 PM

When my tank was 83-84, some of the corals weren't as happy, but everything lived, I guess.

I wouldn't let it get past 85, but just make sure it is stable. A temperature of 87 is better than a temperature that changes from 80-84.

I'd add fans to increase evaporation before you think about a chiller.

-TS-Vash · #5 08/30/2005, 05:16 PM

well my tank will be 83 in the day and 80 at night thanks for the fan idea i think ill try that soon.

Manuel Martinez · #6 08/31/2005, 10:40 AM

On summer days, you can change your light period.

-TS-Vash · #7 09/15/2005, 10:13 PM

well i got the temp down i just use a fan to cool the tank at night i think ill put one inside my stand to blow on my tidepool sump. thanks for the help.

AZDesertRat · #8 09/15/2005, 10:36 PM

Try to keep you temperature swing about 2 degrees or less. Its the 4 or 5 degree swings that corals don't like. Leave the glass tops off and get a fan to blow across the water surface, $6 Walmart clip on fans work great.

-TS-Vash · #9 09/15/2005, 11:16 PM

Well it wont be a problem soon when winter gets here and ill try the fan thing next summer thanks for the info.

triggerman71 · #10 09/16/2005, 02:14 PM

What I do is I get a temp. Controller and hook up 2 or 3 fans from walmart and have them blow down on my sump or you could have them blow across your tank. The controller will turn the fans on when the temp gets to high.

-TS-Vash · #11 09/16/2005, 02:26 PM

whare did you get the temp controller?

triggerman71 · #12 09/16/2005, 10:41 PM

They have the medusa and aqua logic dual or single. You can by them new $160 or so for the aqua around $200 for the medusa. You can look on ebay if you want to get a used one or the sales forums on reefentral.

-TS-Vash · #13 09/17/2005, 10:54 AM

dude $160 man i would just get a chiller then LOL but thanks for answering.

triggerman71 · #14 09/17/2005, 11:52 AM

$160 will not get you a chiller. You want to make your tank as stable as possible the constant temp. swings will take its toll on your livestock,hence the controller. You will learn as you go that sometimes its better to spend a little more at the begining than pay double at the end.

-TS-Vash · #15 09/20/2005, 04:16 PM

Your right what i mean to say is if i could pay $160 for a temp controller
i would not ask if i should get a chiller i would just get one. I just got a new wetdry and a new light setup and a couple of gallons of chemicals because you can get a gallon of any thing you need for the same price as 16 oz cost at a pet store so after all that and 7 gallons of chemicals i have to wait untill later. Winter is comming and i have a good heater so ill be ok i just have to get a temp controller and a chiller or fans later next year i guess thanks.