Cooling in a pinch

Hey all,

I live here in California, and as such am subject to heat waves from tiem to time. I know that I will have to invest in a chiller at some point, however with the economy in the way it is, I just can't at the moment. Anyway, I came home today from a day out and noticed that my water was pushing 89 degrees! I just didn't know what to do, so I added five freshwater gallons of cooler water which got me down relatively soon.

Within the hour it dropped down to about 81. So untill I can afford to purchase a $400 ~ $500 chiller, could anyone offer me some advice that could help me control the tempature should the need arise? I need two options, one for emergancys and another for general control. I also need to keep the heater on as the temp will no doubt drop pretty low at nights during the summer too.

Much thanks,
-G

 

take a 20oz soda bottle, fill it with water and freeze it, then when you need it just drop it into your tank(unopened). Also, use a fan to blow across the top of the water. I used a clip on. You put 5 gallons of fresh water into your tank? check your specific gravity make sure it's where you want it.

 

make sure the top is off your tank and you have auto top-off set up. blow fans across the top of your tank and your sump. evaporation is the way to control your temp

 

Haven't topped off in a few days so the gravity was good when I added the water. Great idea with the bottle, going to freeze one tonight!

 

Thanks, I kept 3 in my freezer. Well good about the sg!

 

GREAT IDEA !!! I too will be freezing a bottle or two!! Summer is getting closer !!

Thanks

 

I put my frozen bottle right in the return pump area of the sump, it lasts longer there as the lights from the top of the tank doesn't melt it faster.

 

I wish we had to deal with problems liek that over in grey old england i dont thinks it hit over 10c this year where i live must be nice

 

Like the frozen bottle idea,if needed to be used in dt...no fuge or sump, could be anchored with rubber bands and suction cups.

 

Fan blowing over the top is the best. I work a 9 to 5 so putting ice in the tank is pretty ineffective since I can put a new batch when one melts. The fan will of course bring evaporation faster though.