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Originally posted by treedesign
Cooling: maybe thermoelectric There's a company called Peltech that makes a solid state heat pump for aquariums up to 210 gal (9 degree pull down). It draws about half the electricity as a comparable standard chiller, with no refrigerants. An additional plus is that thermoelectrics can also be used to heat an aquarium.
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Those are not nearly as efficient as using either evaporation (depending on where you live), or geothermal, which can work for aquaria and pools as well.
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Lastly for now is the actual container for the system. Acrylic is considered more efficient for being a better insulator of heat. I don't know, however, which material requires less energy to manufacture. It'll be better when companies use clear cellulosic (plant-based) plastic to make aquariums, but that day is not here yet. A plywood (sustainably harvested) tank with a viewing window could be a possibility (environmental friendliness of epoxy sealant/paint?)
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This is tougher, it's true that acrylic is a better insulator, but there is much more energy that goes into the manufacturing of it, with much more environmental toxicity than there is with glass.
I personally like having multiple vewing panes, but that's personal taste.
Dave