Lighting and Temperature.

[Tony44]

So, my lights were making my temperature go up to high, so I bought two fans, and they helped out alot. Now the problem I am having is that the fans run when the lights are on, and the temp gets a bit to low, around 77-78, and I turn them off, and it can get as high as 83. I cant be monitoring the tank 24/7 to turn the fans on and off every hour, and this fluctuation of temperature cannot be good for my fish.

I cant find the thread, but about a week ago someone had the same type problem, and bought something off of a website that would only turn the fans on when they needed to be on, and turned them off when they were no longer needed. Anyone know where I could get this device? Or any other suggestions.


Thanks a bunch.

[Tony44]

Anyone?

[Toddrtrex]

Not sure if this is what you are looking for, but I am using a Reefkeeper on 2 of my tanks (3rd one should be here Friday). Here is the link;
http://www.digitalaquatics.com/reefkeeper.html

I know that there is other temp controllers out there, but this is the only one that I have experience with. And I've had the two for a couple of years now -- work perfectly.

HTH

[Tony44]

This one looks great, but $220 is just a bit to much, with that price I could just about get a chiller.

[Toddrtrex]

I suppose you could, however it does more than just control the temp.
Plus, for me, a chiller wasn't an option -- would end up heating up my townhouse too much - since there is no place to vent the exhaust.

[Tony44]

Do you know of any other ones like this, but cheaper ones?

[jmp998]

If you only want to control temperature, a Ranco controller may be the best option. The single stage version could be used to control your fans for under $100. However, many prefer the two-stage version which also acts as a failsafe for your heater. Here's a link, although you might be able to find it cheaper elsewhere. These are supposed to be very reliable.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=13967&N=2004+113767

[eckrynock]

What temp do you keep your tank at? Can't your heater compensate a little for the cooling effect of the fans?

[Tony44]

jmp998, thank you very much, this is exactly what I was looking for, I appreciate it.

eckrynock, I try to keep my tank at about 79-81, that is ok right?

[eckrynock]

79-81 is fine. I try to keep mine at 78. I was just wondering why your heater can't keep your tank at 79 even when the fans are on?

[Tony44]

Yeah I was thinking about that, that probably is what I will end up doing, but I just rather have the temp. controller. The fans sound bad, and to me its just an eye sore that they are even there, and if they are constantly running, even more lol.

So, you keep your tank at 78? I could probably keep my tank at about 78 easily, dont you think 78 is a bit to low? I was told to keep FW at 78, and SW at around 80-81, why do you keep yours at 78?

Just curious.

[eckrynock]

It seems things (for me) started going downhill around 80. I've tried 78, 81, and 84. At 84, my sps really looked bad, and just not healthy at 81. My tank runs between 78 and 79 and everyone seems happy. Metabolic rates increase at higher temps meaning you have to feed your fish more = more waste. ;)

[michaeldaly]

Another option would be to put in a more powerful heater that could combat the cooling of the fans.

[Tony44]

Yeah I dont know whats up with my heaters. As you guys can see, I am in Florida, I run the AC when I am home, but when im not here, I turn it off, and the house gets to around 79-85 degrees. Because I am in Florida, and because my house is normally pretty warm, I didnt get the best heater, and got the heater that only goes up to a 75 gallon tank, a 300 watt. I set the heater on 81, and I look at my thermometer which is close to the heater, and the therm. is saying its 79, and my heater wont turn on. I got the Rena heater, the one that shows the light when it turns on.

So I added another 200 watt heater, didnt make much of a difference. For example right now with the fans on, my tank dropped down to 78, the heaters are supposed to kick on whenever it gets below 80, and they arent doing a damn thing.

[Tony44]

So, found this one for alot cheaper than the other site had it, think I will get this.

http://diyreef.com/shop/product_info.php?cPath=68&products_id=37

Thanks everyone for the help.