keeping temp down

[gt8448a]

Hey everyone. I have been having a really hard time keeping the temp in my aquarium below 82 during the day. My ac runs all day long, and my apt is still around 79. I am beginning to become concerned for my coral - the pagoda cup is no longer opening to its fullest, and the new star polyp colony is not opening up much either. Does anyone have any suggestions? I have a glass cover between the water surface and the lights, so running a fan across the water surface is not an option at this point.

Thanks for the advice.

Harrell

 

[Osama]

If you have a sump; you can put a small pump to spray water over the water surace & a fan to enhance cooling the spray.
You can put frozen bags of water into your sump or your tank. Can even freeze salt water and put it in. Of course another answer is a chiller for your tank...

 

[2poor2reef]

It is very difficult to cool a water column when the ambient room temp is only 3 degrees cooler than the water. Isn't there any way to lower the room air temp. It would be more comfortable for you too.

 

[gt8448a]

2poor

Well, the ac has been running all day long, set for 76, and it is still 79. I directed a fan towards the top of the aquarium, and that seemed to help a little but not very much. Oh well, hopefully the heat will not last too much longer.

Harrell

 

[Marcosreef]

I have a glass cover between the water surface and the lights, so running a fan across the water surface is not an option at this point.

Harrell

If you can, say goodbye to the glass cover and use a fan. The cover will trap heat in the tank. (Like heat trapped in your car on a sunny day, with your windows up... :wink: )

 

[Anonymous]

If these suggestions do not improve the situation then consider a chiller. Yes they are expensive but it is a nice feeling to check the temp and have it always be the same. I resisted spending the $ on a chiller but I am a much more relaxed reefer now, and I know the animals benefit from having a more stable temp.

 

[Tangy1]

I second the chiller. I bought one 18 months ago for my 160 gal system. It keeps the temp stable throughout the summer. The peace of mind is worth it if you are in it for the long haul. I live in a condo where the AC units just can't compete with a western exposure and the heat and humidity of Chicago summers. Fans do little if the air is saturated with water already. Just make sure you research the chillers before you buy. Pulldown temp and especially the unit design and ventillation are an important factor. there are many makes and models of chillers out there.

 

[gt8448a]

Marco S

I have considered eliminating the glass cover, but my lights are probably minimum 8" from the surface. Without the cover, wouldn't I run the risk of electrocution or salt buildup on my lights? I have also considered the chiller, but it is not a viable solution at this particular point in time.

Harrell

 

[Marcosreef]

Marco S

I have considered eliminating the glass cover, but my lights are probably minimum 8" from the surface. Without the cover, wouldn't I run the risk of electrocution or salt buildup on my lights? I have also considered the chiller, but it is not a viable solution at this particular point in time.

Harrell

Harrell,
I have a 9" canopy on my 29, that leaves the MH bulb approx. 5 inches from the surface. I can understand your concern.

As far as salt spray, an occasional wiping from time to time is all you will need.

8" is plenty of clearance IMO. As long as the fixture is secure and can't fall in, you have nothing to worry about. You can always replace the lid in the winter months.

Regards, Marco

 

[gcvt]

...the ac has been running all day long, set for 76, and it is still 79...

What happens when you set the thermostat to 72? Or am I missing something here? :?

 

[gt8448a]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I think I will first eliminate the glass cover and see how that helps out. Hopefully, that and a fan will solve the problem for the summer.

Thanks again.

Harrell

 

[Reefguide]

I did okay in dropping the temp of my tank with a simple PC fan on the side of my canopy... Works for me.... I also keep my house AC on the sub-artic setting !! My wife hates it

 

[gt8448a]

For those of you who were wondering, my house is rather old, so even with the ac on a very low setting, much of what is gained is even more rapidly lost - setting it to 72 or lower would not accomplish anything, as I have found out from past experience! With the fan and the glass cover removed, hopefully this will help the problem.

Harrell

 

[danmhippo]

If all else failed, buy a mobile air conditioner and direct the exhaust out to windows. This way, you don't have to chill the whole house down, just the area around the tank. I went to Costco yesterday and saw the mobile air conditioner sold for $225.00

 

[Ike]

I agree with danmhippo. I live in south fla. and I use a wall type a/c to supplement my central a/c . Temp. stays between 74-76 year round.

 

[gt8448a]

Ok, so I removed the glass cover, which seemed to help lower the temp (along with the fan that I have aimed at the cover), but now I have discovered quite a bit of condensation on the light fixtures. My previous estimation of the light source being 8" away from the surface was slightly off - it's actually more like 5" away. Should I be concerned about condensation on the lighting? My pagoda cup still does not appear to be happy - it is not opening up nearly as fully as it once did. All chemical parameters are as they always have been, very stable. Mushrooms are fine, and even the new star polyp colony is beginning to open up more and more. Any suggestions or recommendations?

Thanks as always,

Harrell