Heat during summer

Hey all,

I am hving heat issues with my tank. I live in Central California and it has started to get hot around here. I was wondering what the minimum amount of light time my corals need to survive without seeing affects. Also I am trying to find out a way to cheaply cool my tank without spending too much money.

Anyone have any ideas?

TIA,

Beamerhack

 

I live in FL. I can sympathize. I've heard of some ppl here freezing RO/DI water and placing it in their sumps. That's one idea I guess. Chillers IMO are insanely expensive.

As far as light goes, it that it depends on what types of corals you have in your tanks. I personally have switch my photo period to latter in the day to help keep the heat down. This also works since I'm at work all day anyway so, wasn't really getting to see the tank lit up. Now I can view my tank when I'm actually home in the evening when it's cooler.

 

Yeah the main problem I have is no central AC and I will be honest the in wall unit I have sucks a phat one.

My tank is at 84 already and I know it is going to get hoter. I have tried cooling it with the frozen packs you get at the store but 100 gallons seems to just laugh at it.

 

With no central air, a chiller is going to be your only option--check craigslist, I got a 1/3 hp JBJ 2 mo old 950.00 retail for 400.00 I know that is still alot of dough but the piece of mind was worth every penny.

 

If you own your property you can make a in the ground chiller. Lots of work though. You have to bury 4 or 5 pieces of pvc about 4 foot deep and run your water thru them. I am sure you can find a diagram on line if you are intrested.

 

I've tossed around the idea of a cheap mini-fridge, some PEX pipe, and a pump on a thermostat.... wouldn't be as compact as a proper chiller, but you'd have a place to store plankton and beer. You can get a cheap fridge at Walmart or Costco for around $80-100, and a small power head for $25, a plug in thermostat for around $20.... total cost would be less than $200 plumbed, but it would cost more in the long term than a good chiller.

I wouldn't put in ice, even RODI ice, as it would affect salinity and water level. bags of frozen water tho would work short term, but again costs more in the long run than a good purpose built chiller.

Geothermal cooling sounds cool, deff something to look into when I buy a place.

-Doug

 

A better room a/c unit might be a good option,close off the room ,lower the ambiant air temp and youll have a nicer place to view your tank.

 

For lighting, change the photo period. Have the lights come on at night when it's cooler out.
You can also throw some frozen water jugs in the sump.
I was actually surprised this weekend. Got to over 100 degrees and my big tank didn't break 80, even with the halides on. I was relieved.

 

I use a fan that blows across the top of the water of my 55 and comes on when the MH lights come on...makes a nice ripple on the surface also...makes about a 3 to 4 degree difference....which keeps it under 78 / 80 degrees....but cooling the room is also a must.
100 gallons?... I'd have a chiller. : ) Good Luck my friend.
LG

 

A fan on top of the water will cause evaporation and humidity problems in the house. You are going to have to take the plunge and get a chiller. Search for a used one.