Does AC have any ill effects on aquarium conditions?

[Bryon]

Here on the east coast we're going through a little heat wave. I've been using my ac more then I usually do and I just started to wonder if it affects tank conditions at all. It's only been a week and a half since I was able to open the house to fresh air. I was just curious what some people thought or know about this. Also in the winter time, my house is closed up for almost six months or more. Is this something to think about or is it that I'm just this bored?

 

[Eric B]

There is usually more co2 in the air of a closed up home which can cause the PH in the tank to swing some and also takes away some of the total oxygen in the tank via the skimmer which is pulling the air from inside the house. Some people pull air from outside or install a co2 scrubber on the skimmer air suction to remove the co2 before it enters the tank via the skimmer. Other than that I don't know of any other factors!

 

[twelvefive]

What are your temperatures at night? I keep my AC set at 76 and in the evening when the temp outside hits 76 or below, I open windows then close them in the morning when I wake up.

 

[Chameleon]

I wouldnt worry about it unless your pH is getting low pH problems. Just think people with reef tanks in Florida run their AC 24/7 in the summer time...lol

 

[glb]

I live in south Florida so my home is sealed almost all the time. Because of this, my ph tends to stay on the lower side, 7.8-8.0. This is due to excess co2. I have a nano and no skimmer so a co2 scrubber isn't an option and I don't have a refugium either. My water parameters are otherwise fine and my corals are fine. All of that being said, I think tank stability is more important than a specific number. My tank is stable so I don't mess with it too much. Just my 0.02.

 

[Bryon]

What are your temperatures at night? I keep my AC set at 76 and in the evening when the temp outside hits 76 or below, I open windows then close them in the morning when I wake up.

During our little heat wave, it's been in the high 70's at night. The real problem is the humidity. It feels like it's in the 80's during the night.

 

[navila06]

we are the same here in Alabama 90's during the days and 70's at night, my house is pretty much closed all year long cause in the winter it gets below freezing sometimes. there is a brief period in spring and fall were we open the windows up. keeping the house closed up using the AC, does make c02 rise, i run my skimmer air line hose through the house to the outside to draw in fresh air to the tank.

 

[Eienna]

My two cents is that I'd tend to believe that temperature swings in the house from NOT using the AC to keep it stable would be more harmful than running it.

 

[mallorieGgator]

If your tank is right under the AC vent then yes it will have an effect on your tank. It should cause increased evaporation of water which, unless you have an autotop off, will cause a daily swing in salinity (increase).

 

[Bryon]

Thanks everybody for your input