New, How can i Cooling My Tank

[donaldastwood]

Hi al,
I am new here, but i have a 50 Gal Long Hex and it has been getting hot...i mean real hott (85F to 88F) Does any one know how i can cool it dow without adding ice or doing water changes? I have tried these with limited sucess. I know that there are actual tank coolers out there, but the seem a bit expensive as i would only use it for 4-6months of the year. Any suggestions?

 

[frasertheking]

computer fans
mini fridge / beer cooler with load of plastic pipe running through it and pumping water through it

 

[MrGuyPerson]

The above ideas are good. I've used a small clip fan blowing across the surface of the tank with relative success. You may have a problem as your tank is a hex and I'm assuming taller than it is long, so you won't have much surface area for evaporation. I know you've said you'd used ice, but have you tried freezing several gallon jugs? Have as many as your freezer space will allow on hand. These have helped me a great deal. When they freeze completely solid you should be in business.

 

[eman b115]

The above ideas are good. I've used a small clip fan blowing across the surface of the tank with relative success. You may have a problem as your tank is a hex and I'm assuming taller than it is long, so you won't have much surface area for evaporation. I know you've said you'd used ice, but have you tried freezing several gallon jugs? Have as many as your freezer space will allow on hand. These have helped me a great deal. When they freeze completely solid you should be in business.

This is what I do too; and it's worked pretty good. my water is now around 83 and 85 which was a hell of a lot better than 90.

 

[fishdance]

Using a large fan for evaporative cooling is the most economical and effective way to cool your tank if you dont have a dedicated chiller. Open the glass lids and direct a large fan (not a small computer fan) accross the water surface. A large pedestal fan which is strong enough to ripple the surface if possible. You can also increase the evaporation efficiency greatly if you dip one end of a soaked towel (clean) into the tank and suspend the other over the fans airflow. Water will be drawn up the towel like a wet wick due to capillary action as the fan evaporates and dries the towel. This is the basic principle of evaporative air conditioning. You may need to use screen mesh if you have jumpers. Directing fan over a open trickle filter should also work but not much use to your situation.

Having said this, dont get too stressed about water temperatures as the main concern is oxygen levels. It doesnt matter how hot the water is as long as the fish have enough oxygen and the temperature doesnt swing too fast. Adding airstone or surface aggitation may be enough. Just watch the fish behaviour not your thermometer. Aussie summers regularly go over 100 degrees F.

 

[toehead11183]

id go with some fans first. if its not your yeaters, its got to be hot lights

 

[skylar69]

id say lower the heaters level.

 

[eman b115]

id say lower the heaters level.

I think he means high temp due to summer heat.....

 

[donaldastwood]

These are all great suggestions, thank you all for the input. I Like the idea of freezing the jugs, I will use that as a secondary option as it might cool the water too quickly for the fish and stress them out. But for now i will get a few clip fans for the surface of the water to see if i can increase the evaporation rate of the water. I need to perfect this as i will be moving back to the caribbean soon, and i know cooling will be a major issue when i get back.
Luckily the oxygen levels of the water appear to be fine, I do have a fairly well planted tank with about 25 to 30 plants, and they do a pretty good job at keeping the water clean and high in o2. Plus the Fluval 404 outlet breaks the water surface for additional agitation.

 

[Nic]

my tank ran @ 90 most of the summer with no problems.... what kind of fish do you have???? also the clip fan is the best easiest cheapest way to drop a few degrees