Over Heating My Tank

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
You need a reliable temperature controller. I use a Ranco controller and it keeps my tank a constant 86 degrees day and night.
 
if its that much of a problem you can probably hook up a chiller to the tnak.
 
Based on what I've told you do you think it's independently the heater that's causing the problem? I could understand the ambient temperature of the house raising the water temp somewhat but I now have the room temp about 10 degrees lower than the tank, and it's still overheating. Again I need to figure this out quick before I harm the fish because of the mini temperature swings. It doesn't seem to have effected behavior or appetite yet, but I don't want to take any chances.
If I have to go with a chiller I can, but that sounds strange considering we're frozen here 6 months out of the year, and even the nightly temp in the summer is in the 60's or lower.
 
Leave the heater/heaters unplugged.
 
First off, if you think water going over the overflow is "tricking the heater" the solution to that is easy.. Put the heater in the tank. In a few days you'll know if that is or isn't the problem, and if it is the problem, then you just need to be creative at hiding the heaters in the main display. If it's not, that's good too. Process of elimination is all that's needed.

I run my tanks open top with egg crate. I don't use canopies for two reasons. The main reason is (to me) canopies are absolutely ugly ~ Nothing makes a great tank look like crap more than a canopy. Canopies are for noobs, not serious hobbyists (I know it sounds crazy, just how I personally see it) I like seeing the bare open topped tank. Same goes for elaborate stands with doors... I like an open 2x4 stand, please :D

Second ? They've always caused heat buildup for me, causing me to need small fans inside the canopy (this was crucial when I was running a reef and didn't have the money to blow on a chiller).

Either way, just stick to the tried and true method; Process of elimination.
 
daveydoodle;4185418; said:
Based on what I've told you do you think it's independently the heater that's causing the problem? I could understand the ambient temperature of the house raising the water temp somewhat but I now have the room temp about 10 degrees lower than the tank, and it's still overheating. Again I need to figure this out quick before I harm the fish because of the mini temperature swings. It doesn't seem to have effected behavior or appetite yet, but I don't want to take any chances.
If I have to go with a chiller I can, but that sounds strange considering we're frozen here 6 months out of the year, and even the nightly temp in the summer is in the 60's or lower.

I had a heater nearly boil my fish in my beginner 20 gallon tank. I refused to use a heater for several years. Try just ambient temp. Also be sure that the heater is in an area of the sump that is not being agetated too much. Calmer water may help stabilize your temp also.

Rakie;4185530; said:
First off, if you think water going over the overflow is "tricking the heater" the solution to that is easy.. Put the heater in the tank. In a few days you'll know if that is or isn't the problem, and if it is the problem, then you just need to be creative at hiding the heaters in the main display. If it's not, that's good too. Process of elimination is all that's needed.

I run my tanks open top with egg crate. I don't use canopies for two reasons. The main reason is (to me) canopies are absolutely ugly ~ Nothing makes a great tank look like crap more than a canopy. Canopies are for noobs, not serious hobbyists (I know it sounds crazy, just how I personally see it) I like seeing the bare open topped tank. Same goes for elaborate stands with doors... I like an open 2x4 stand, please :D

Second ? They've always caused heat buildup for me, causing me to need small fans inside the canopy (this was crucial when I was running a reef and didn't have the money to blow on a chiller).

Either way, just stick to the tried and true method; Process of elimination.

Well said though I disagree with teh whole hood thing, but that is why there are so many options for this hobby.
 
i'm also trying to lower the temp on my tank before i throw in my fishes, my temp reads 90f, its been sitting their for 3 days now, dont know what to do any ideas??
 
i use hydor heaters on all my 3 tanks, what i noticed is that the main key of keeping the fishtanks temperature accurate is the temperature of you house !

i keep the temp of my house at 75 degrees all year round, i set all my hydors to 75 degrees as well,.... the noticable difference is that hydor heaters will go 5 fahrenheit over the set temp. today, all my tank is at 80F . so think about the temp of your house, as this is the key to your tanks temp aswell :)
 
Rakie;4185530; said:
First off, if you think water going over the overflow is "tricking the heater" the solution to that is easy.. Put the heater in the tank. In a few days you'll know if that is or isn't the problem, and if it is the problem, then you just need to be creative at hiding the heaters in the main display. If it's not, that's good too. Process of elimination is all that's needed.

I run my tanks open top with egg crate. I don't use canopies for two reasons. The main reason is (to me) canopies are absolutely ugly ~ Nothing makes a great tank look like crap more than a canopy. Canopies are for noobs, not serious hobbyists (I know it sounds crazy, just how I personally see it) I like seeing the bare open topped tank. Same goes for elaborate stands with doors... I like an open 2x4 stand, please :D

Second ? They've always caused heat buildup for me, causing me to need small fans inside the canopy (this was crucial when I was running a reef and didn't have the money to blow on a chiller).

Either way, just stick to the tried and true method; Process of elimination.

Agree with the canopy thing. Their useless and boring. Just makes the tank look crap IMO. I like glass top with lights on tops. Simple as that.

Edit: Especially the really tall ones. I've seen a few 6+ incher canopies. Takes the focus off of the fish.
 
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