Redneck Chiller

OK, so is there anything wrong with a ziplock bag filled with ice cubes placed into the sump in order to bring water temp down?

I know everything in an aquarium should be done gradually... but is there anything wrong with small amounts of ice in a ziplock bag to bring water temp down?

 

I don't think so you could give it a try, but after the ice melts the temp would go back up. You could try putting two fans over your sump. One at each end to help cool your tank some.

 

That's a great way to bring the temperature down in an emergency. It's probably not the preferred method for long term temperature control for exactly the reason you mentioned... changes are best if they occure gradually and back-and-forth swings are never helpful.

Random question of the day... If you hooked your RO/DI unit up to supply your ice maker, could you just toss ice cubes in your sump for your top off needs This actually leads me to another question: Ice machines (as opposed to ice cube trays) typically make their cubes by spraying water onto a cold surface and freezing their way downward. This leads to cubes that are very low in impurities. Just for fun I may have to check my icecubes for TDS.

 

Good question, GoToSleep--but adding ice cubes to your sump is not much different than had you stuck them into a ziptop baggie. The only difference is there's no baggie. Sure, RO/DI ice cubes would be great as far as purity goes--but the main issue (which you correctly identified in your response) still remains--adding ice to control heat will result in temperature swings. Short lived remedies in this hobby are potentially damaging for corals. Corals like consistency. Whether it be temperature; or the level of calcium--anything that swings in a reef tank can't be good.

Now your project is to create an auto topoff system that utilizes RO/DI icecubes--dispensed only when called for by a temperature monitor. This would incorporate both temperature control and auto-topoff. Do it, and you'll be a rich man.

Seriously, the technology exists to accomplish it. If and when you patent it, I'd appreciate 10% of all proceeds.

 

I love the idea, I'll get to work on it right away and of course you're down for 10% (of the net, not gross)

 

I would save the ice cubes for Iced Tea (yum), and use fans to cool your tank. It would become a real pain, longterm, and the temp swings will effect your corals..

 

When you do the math, ice is not a very effective way to cool off a large volume of water. The BTUs required to cool even one gallon of water one degree is pretty high.
A WalMart $8 clip on fan works wonders.

 

The idea sounds great but I see one big problem with it: in case your temperature is high and your water level is high (so it cannot be topped off) then dumping ice cubes in the sump is out of the question