Cooling reef tank

[maxwell50]

Hi All,

I live in CA and it gets hot in summer. I wanted to know what people use for cooling and what’s acceptable temp on higher side of reef tank. I try to keep my tank at 78. I know chiller is a good option but they just too expensive and I bought one used that broke.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I use a box fan and blow it over the surface of the water and increase surface tension to help keep it cool. You'll go through more top off water, but also keep temps down. As far as acceptable temp, i've seen reefs run anywhere from 80-82 degrees in the summer, I wouldn't let it get higher than 82 if possible.

 

[Brad Miller]

For all you reefers in California and other hot states,

I can start the research and development of an innovative RODI ice cube, automatic top off device that would help keep your tank cool in the summertime…

Please message me with donations for R&D

 

[joseserrano]

I use a floor/carpet drying type fan. Works really well and fast. That ice cube idea sounds really cool, but ultimately I would say impracticable. I do believe some ppl freeze 2 liter or gallon jugs and let them float in the sump/similarish idea, similar results id assume.

 

[CNDReef]

I do the fan but I lower my overall tank temperature down to to 77 so it’s easier to keep cool.

 

[Daniel@R2R Verified Admin]

I do the fan but I lower my overall tank temperature down to to 77 so it’s easier to keep cool.

This would be my suggestion too. It allows for a larger margin of fluctuation while staying within safe params.

 

[cracker]

I cool with a fan It can bring down temps a couple degrees. Big difference between 80 & 82. The frozen bottles ( 2 litre is what I use For bringing down temps fast in a barrel of new water ). work well but quickly thaw .