Lid On/Off = Temp Up/Down?

[thecoolguy]

random question....

given that i now have the luxury of keeping my lids off (acrylic tank) - does that mean the tank will have a harder time maintaining temperature?

or does the open top not really have any bearing on the internal water temp?

 

[Ianab]

Lid off will generally increase the evaporation and cool the tank more.

Usefull if you are in a really hot climate and need to keep a tanks temperature down.

Cheers

Ian

 

[cantdrive55]

Airflow over the surface of the water, which would be increased with no lid, would increase the rate of convection. This would lead to cooling of the surface of the water, which would, in turn, cool the water in the tank.

Whether or not it would be a dramatic difference, depends on the difference in temperature between the air and the water. Assuming your water is in the 75-80 range, an air temp of 70 degrees would make little difference.

It also depends on whether or not there is any airflow over the surface of the water. The greater the velocity of the air over the water, the greater the effects of convection.


Basically-it's not going to make much difference. You will lose more water though, due to evaporation.

 

[itzacraze]

ive seen top offs with a really hot humid room setting keep it consistant or youll see some problems