Hot tank!!!

I thought I would be a badass and pick up a 150w MH for my 54 gallon. Well now my tank is running at about 83-84 degrees. I'd like to bring it down to 76-78 since I have an LPS and plan on getting more hard corals. The only problem here is that I'm a reefer on a budget, and an $800 chiller isn't an option.

Anyone know of a cost efficient (and not too ghetto) way of cooling my H2O?

I was looking at this chiller on Drs F&S, is it good for the money?

 

I have never used that chiller...I have the JBL chiller and love it.
Aquarium Water Quality & Temperature Control: Arctica Titanium Chillers
I know it is about a $130 difference but from what I have heard it is one of the best chillers out there. My tank stays at 77.9 degrees 24 hours a day no matter how many lights are on!

You might do what I did. I needed to get a 1/3 HP one and could not afford to spend that much, so I talked to the LFS and asked if they had any used ones available for sale. I have a good relationship with the guys there and they actually sold me the one off their tank system for a little more then 1/3 of the actual price. It was only a 1 year old and had the warrenty still So you might want to look around local craigslist and other places.

I know that is not the question you were asking, but even if you stick with that chiller might want to look for a used chiller anyway...as many are leaving hobby at least around me as there seems to be an overabundane of used equipment up for sale around my area

 

definitely considering a chiller at this point, but i threw a wallmart stationary fan right behind the halide and now it's maintaning about 76-77 degrees. The heater makes up for the temp loss at night, but definitely not as consistent as a chiller would be. Ill take your advice and ask around at all the fish stores near me. One is selling a 1/10 HP JBL for $400, but i think thats just outrageous...

 

I have never found the need for a chiller, even living in Miami. You would be surprised what a fan or two will do for lowering the temp. Luna

 

fans are the way yo go, I dropped my seahorse tank from 82 to 74 with one 4" fan. gotta get an auto top off though cuz I loose a 1.5 gallons a day! but the fan and power supply cost me 7 bucks!

 

What type of fan set up did you get? I've seen a few on ebay but was never certain they would work like they say.

 

I bought a 80mm 12 volt computer fan from tiger direct, here is one that is a bit more expensive. and a 12 volt adapter like this one wired them them together. I scrrewed it to a piece of plexi that straddles the tank and I have a nice little cooling system.

 

Is it blowing straight down on the surface of the water or across the entire length of the tank. I have two 4 inch 110V fans from Radio Shack that I can use. Thanks!

 

here's a picture of my chiller-

 

Wow.. I just have to say Mr X, you have a beautiful tank!!! I hope some day me and my husband can have a tank like that.!! You have inspired me... K+1