Apex Showing Small Temp Swings

[MSB123]

Here is what is on at what time:



I am loooking at my new apex and I re programmed my heaters, pumps, etc.. to minimize the temp swings. Anything else I should do? I still am getting about 2.5-3 degrees of swing. Thanks!

 

[tinkwithanr]

I'd use the Apex to control the temp and whatever built-in controller your heaters have as a fail-safe set a few degree's above your target temp.

What temp do you have the heaters set to turn on and off at right now? Seems like you're using the built in thermostat on the heaters to control themselves, which will normally lead to bigger swings like you're seeing.

 

[Waters]

What he said If you are using the apex to control the heaters, you can sent the swings as low as .1 degrees. You don't want to rely on the built in thermostats on the heaters.

 

[MSB123]

150 Watt heater, 500 watt heater- both set to 84% as a fail safe on their own controllers

 

[MSB123]

I think i might want to get a chiller- would a 1/3 HP work for my applications? 200 gallon system volume

 

[MSB123]

It is showing that my heaters are almost never on

 

[tinkwithanr]

That would make sense based on your setpoints. You're tank only hit 78 Degress once in the past week, and it would have only turned on the 150 heater for a small amount of time.

Do you have a fan? I'd try that before dropping the coin on a chiller. I'm able to hold a pretty consistent 78-78.5 degree range on my tank with simple computer fan hooked up to an apex outlet. For your system volume you would probably need something a little larger, but as long as the ambient temp in the room isn't 85+ degrees that could very well get the job done.

 

[MSB123]

I found a 1/3 HP chiller for 60$- i think that will work really well. I will try the fan until I get the chiller

 

[miPapareef]

This fan works wonders for my tank. As long as your room temp is less than the desired tank temp, a fan will work fine.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01559O0WY/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_XbSLBb3M8C8EH

 

[eb_reef]

+1 for a fan. My tank is much smaller than your (30gal) but I am able to keep my temps below 78 with this https://www.amazon.com/ARCTIC-Breeze-Mobile-Flexible-Portable/dp/B003XN24GY/
I was really surprised how well this worked.

 

[MSB123]

I am really worried about evaporation- I already loose 2 gallons a day

 

[eb_reef]

I am really worried about evaporation- I already loose 2 gallons a day

Why does it matter? Do you not have an ATO or a reservoir big enough? Chillers are a big PITA.

 

[MSB123]

I only have a 5 gallon ATO resovior right now, any suggestions on bigger ones?

 

[Waters]

I only have a 5 gallon ATO resovior right now, any suggestions on bigger ones?

I use dog food storage containers that can be picked up at any pet store.