Keeping the tank cool

[dmatta82]

Does anyone know if there is a sensor that you can put in the tank that reads the temp and will turn on a fan when it gets too hot and turn it off when its at the right temp?
If there is, how much?
Does anyone have it used?
Where can I get it for cheap?

 

[TommyP]

I know you can do this with a controller like apex for example. I don't think such device exists otherwise.

 

[kres1024]

Here you go ,
RANCO ETC-111000 Digital Cold Temperature Control

 

[cmantis]

Pick your poison:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odk..._nkw=temperature+aquarium+controller&_sacat=0

 

[dmatta82]

Cmantis, with the link you sent me, would I have to be splicing wires from my small fan? I dont see a plug.

 

[CleanYourTank11]

Coral vue (reef octopus) makes a fan controlled by a temp. prob but its for air temperature not water temp. Marine depot has a 3" and 4" I believe, I have them setup at a clients, they work good but can't speak too much on the temp probe itself.
http://www.coralvue.com/4-inch-smart-fan

 

[Clink51]

Ive gotten into the habit of opening all windows, lifting curtains, tuning off in tank heater and aux pump feeding my phosban. keeps it at 80-80.7

 

[Djbetterly]

I built something like that a while back. I'm sure I could figure it out again. I was using it before I got my controller.

 

[BZOFIQ]

Ranco mentioned above is probably the most reliable.

Apex can do it too of course and a lot lot more but at premium.

 

[Djbetterly]

Three 140mm Noctua fans, silent and move a lot of air!

 

[dmatta82]

I need them to turn off the fans if the water drops to much. I just wasn't sure about splicing wires and reconnecting circuits.

 

[Djbetterly]

You could easily do that with a float switch. Do you not have an ATO?

 

[dmatta82]

yeah I do, the tunze and I dont use the second sensor..... sorry I meant the (water temperature drops)*.

 

[Djbetterly]

So you'd want this to turn on when it's hot, and turn off at the right temp and if the water gets low. I guess if you have an ATO I don't see the purpose of the fans shutting off if the water gets too low. If the temp is still up and the temp is high but water is low wouldn't you still want the fans to run to keep dropping the temp?


From what I've read a gradual increase in salinity is less harmful than high temp. I'm sure someone can chime in on that to verify though.

I made my version using an arduino nano, and a temp sensor. It's quite easy actually. You could probably build the controller for less than $50. I'm not sure how much a ranco goes for. Yes they are probably more dependable but if you need something in the mean time this would work.

Your call.

 

[dmatta82]

I'm sorry to confuse anyone reading this. My main focus is the temperature not the water level. I want my fans to turn on when the water temp gets too hot and I want them to turn off when it gets too cold or hits the right temperature. I got suggestions, but I was wondering if there was a cheap way to do this and not have to splice wires.
Sorry for the confusion.

 

[Djbetterly]

Then go ranco, that will be easiest. I think you still need to splice some wires though.

 

[edd]

i don't know how much a ranco costs, but why not put the money towards a controller that can perform multiple functions. not just run the fan, and no splicing.

 

[dmatta82]

Makes sense edd, which would be helpful when I upgrade. What did you have in mind?

 

[edd]

Makes sense edd, which would be helpful when I upgrade. What did you have in mind?

i have a reef keeper elite, that I'm satisfied with but most will recommend apex, and i never read a bad thing about the apex.
i use my rk to control my fan, heaters, return pump, cal reactor, lights and ato. theirs a hell of a lot more you can do, but thats way past me.

 

[Djbetterly]

I do agree with edd, but you are looking at a few hundo. I bought my apex through Russ at saltwater critters. He let me do layaway with him. Best money I've ever spent on my tank though.

I used my arduino nano and two 80mm fans for a long time on my solana but i was always worried about what was going on at home. Now with my apex I always know and I never stress.