Do to the approach of summer, I like many have heat issues on the brain. On my old tank, I was able to keep the temperature pretty stable using fans blowing across my sump and in my hood and an Aquacontroler that
turned off lights and various pumps (i.e. to the skimmer) as the water temperature increased. Even on the hottest, humid day I was able to keep my tank temp within acceptable parameters (Acceptable to me at least).
My new tank has significantly more volume than the old, but due to using more efficient equipment has about the same amount of heat sources (measured by wattage) as my old 65 gallon. As such, I firmly believe that I can keep my tank cool using evaporative cooling. My new tank set up does pose some problems that make putting a fan across the sump and in the hood somewhat problematic.
First, I don't have a hood anymore, lights are suspended pendant style. Also, due to the large water volume (approaching 300 gallons), I really don't want to add any more humidity to my tank room than is necessary. It is humid enough in there without encouraging it (I have been able to somewhat solve this problem, but would like to keep the humidity down as much as possible). A chiller would be perfect, and may be the ultimate long term solution, but it is not in the cards at the moment.
I have been researching this out and have decided to make a cooling tower. The basic theory is that water is pumped to the top of a "tower" and allowed to free fall (Like a shower) through the tower. Air is pumped against the flow of water causing evaporation which removes heat. The resulting hot humid air would be vented outside. This is the same principal as blowing a fan across your sump or display tank, but it allows me to do so in a more efficient manner, and control venting.
The following link gives a simple explanation, they call it a "bong cooler" (go ahead and snicker)
A much more significant explanation of how cooling towers work, and their industrial uses (i.e. nuclear reactors), along with the science behind it can be found in short form here.
There are drawbacks and concerns with this type of system. But I think they can be overcome. It is not perfect, but I am looking for input, thoughts and ideas.
turned off lights and various pumps (i.e. to the skimmer) as the water temperature increased. Even on the hottest, humid day I was able to keep my tank temp within acceptable parameters (Acceptable to me at least).
My new tank has significantly more volume than the old, but due to using more efficient equipment has about the same amount of heat sources (measured by wattage) as my old 65 gallon. As such, I firmly believe that I can keep my tank cool using evaporative cooling. My new tank set up does pose some problems that make putting a fan across the sump and in the hood somewhat problematic.
First, I don't have a hood anymore, lights are suspended pendant style. Also, due to the large water volume (approaching 300 gallons), I really don't want to add any more humidity to my tank room than is necessary. It is humid enough in there without encouraging it (I have been able to somewhat solve this problem, but would like to keep the humidity down as much as possible). A chiller would be perfect, and may be the ultimate long term solution, but it is not in the cards at the moment.
I have been researching this out and have decided to make a cooling tower. The basic theory is that water is pumped to the top of a "tower" and allowed to free fall (Like a shower) through the tower. Air is pumped against the flow of water causing evaporation which removes heat. The resulting hot humid air would be vented outside. This is the same principal as blowing a fan across your sump or display tank, but it allows me to do so in a more efficient manner, and control venting.
The following link gives a simple explanation, they call it a "bong cooler" (go ahead and snicker)
A much more significant explanation of how cooling towers work, and their industrial uses (i.e. nuclear reactors), along with the science behind it can be found in short form here.
There are drawbacks and concerns with this type of system. But I think they can be overcome. It is not perfect, but I am looking for input, thoughts and ideas.
