A daylight 2 foot flori like this cost $1.5.A pack of assorted coloured transluscent sheets $4.5.So as all other parameters are well in balance now, with the exception of the rather loud whistle from the vacuum-pump, I thought I'd see what some lighting changes would do.
The vacuum-pump is a 3/4H.P. Danfoss compressor supplying 2 aquariums.The small non-return valve normally used on an air pump to prevent water syphoning back into it in the event of power failure is what causes the whistle.I will try some refinements to reduce the noise.The fact is, this "test-facility" that my "jobbing-builder" friend suggested converting to house my aquariums really is very useful.As I explained elsewhere it was built from a number of re-cycled components.The main frame from 2 imported air conditioning units wooden shipping frame.Thrown away by the company, took me and my son some 4 hours work to strip down and move to our home.The next day, someone had already started taking the second pallet apart.
The storm netting prevents excess dirt and debris getting into the tanks while allowing a good air flow .Having said that, the main problem is the summer temperarures.Winters are very mild.Lowest night temp. I have recorded in the city is 9 deg. C.Daytime temps. (winter) 25-32 deg. C.Even in the summer with ambient temps. as high as 46 deg.C the highest recorded in the housing, without forced ventilation or cooling was 35 deg. C.
