Heat problem

[shalegac]

What would you do to keep the heat down in a 10 gallon? The temp in my tank is know 88 degrees. Unfortunately I don't have AC and the temp is so up and down in Michigan I don't know what to do. I do have a fan blowing on the tank. I only have an 18 watt PC and it is a fish only so I can leave the light off. I am also leaving the hood off. I don't have the money for a chiller. So any suggestions? Should I make some RO ice cubes? I lost a tank do to the cold and power outtages and I'll be damned if I loose one to heat :evil: !

 

[liquid]

Well you've done everything I would have done in your situation. No light, fan blowing on the tank. Have you pointed a powerhead up at the surface of the tank to increase evaporation? That might help. The RO/DI ice cubes are also an option. You'll have to balance out how much ice you put in, but I'd think it's do-able. Try it and see what happens.

Premium Aquatics does sell a IceProbe Thermoelectric Aquarium Chiller that you might be able to fit into a larger power filter like is pictured HERE.

Here's a thought: have you looked around at garage sales in your area for used window air conditioners for sale? For the price of that chiller, you may be able to pick up a used window air conditioner unit for equal or less money.

Shane

 

[shalegac]

Fortunately I have a heater that turns on and off automatically depending on the temp it is set at. We do have a window AC but it is in a different room so I may have to get one for my room with the tank. Thanks Shane.

 

[liquid]

Any way you could temporarily move the tank into the room w/ the AC? It's a 10 gal tank so moving it shouldn't be too difficult. These midwest states can be a pain for summer heat. heh

Shane

 

[Anonymous]

Another short-term solution is to freeze plastic soda bottles of water and float them in the tank.

 

[Anonymous]

Another short-term solution is to freeze plastic soda bottles of water and float them in the tank.

I do this as well. I don't have a heat problem anymore, but I still keep them in freezer in case the AC dies or some other emergency. You know your freezer runs more efficiently too the more full it is, so I figure there is no harm in keeping it full of frozen bottles of water in case I need it.

Plus it's a fun joke to have people come over and wonder why your reef looks polluted because it has plastic bottles floating in it.

 

[DontYouJustWish]

I have about 4 2 liter bottles that I keep in the freezer.

 

[shalegac]

Funny you guys said that because I started freezing some 16oz bottles this morning after I posted