Regulating Tank Temperature

Hi all,

Been a while since my last post (nearly two years ago lol).

Anyway, I've just setup my new 2ft tank which I'm planning on using for some green spotted puffers. I've added water to the tank on Sunday and will let it filter through until Saturday when I plan on putting the fish and plants in. However, the temperature of the water itself is hitting 30C. I live in a flat complex and cannot leave windows open during the day for security reasons. Also, the heater is not plugged in, it's just plain room temperature.

Is there any way of bringing the temp down a bit? I don't really want to build fans into the tank's canopy as it is a good looking wooden canopy.

Help will be much appreciated.

Thanks.

 

You answered your own question there...

I'm not sure where you are based, but on the fact your tank is hitting 30, I'd guess KZN somewhere or the Northern Cape. If you have a (decent) builder's warehouse nearby, in their electrical/security section, they have started selling all sorts of small electrical stuff, and I saw some nice pc-type fans. IF you were to use them, I would suggest putting one on either side of of the hood, and mount the fans inside. One blowing air in, and one blowing out. This should create a draft through the hood, and may help with the temperature. The fans will be quiet, and running on 12v, shouldn't cost too much to run.

HOWEVER, I don't know long term how these fans will last against the moisture of a tank.

 

Is your thermometer too close to your light ? ? ?

 

I'm actually in Stellenbosch. Going to Sam's on Saturday to get my fish, but will need to skip the fish if I can't sort out the heat. The problem I have with the fans is that the canopy is a triangular wooden canopy. Putting holes in it is not what I want really. I could try and lift it a bit?

Thermometer is top left corner of tank, not really close to the light.

 

Maybe try a different thermometer.

It's strange that you getting this type of reading when no one else in CT is experiencing the same.

 

Agree zoom. There is something wrong here. Its impossible to get 30 in Stellenbosch with out a heater.

Unless....2ft is not big maybe the light heats the water.

 

Problem is that your hood has no holes and close to the water surface and thus heating your water.

 

I'll post some pics tonight...

 

My tank hit 30 when I was in CT. It also had a metal halide above it though. Was staying in a flat on the 3rd floor and it had top hung windows which generally have crappy airflow. Fans work really well. Just one blowing into the hood will make a big diff and should be fine with the water. Use a PC fan though, those 220V ones are really loud.

 

sounds like durban temperatures

 

some chilling ideas

http://tzywen.com/modules.php?name=News&file=article&sid=928

http://www.thesea.org/diy-aquarium/controllers_chiller_dehumid.html

http://www.3reef.com/forums/i-made/diy-chiller-42547.html

http://www.thesea.org/diy-aquarium/controllers_chiller_dehumid.html

http://benkrasnow.blogspot.com/2009/03/diy-aquarium-chiller.html

 

Check the Dolphin MC-788 / MC-789 /MC-790

They are expensive prices range from R735- R1870