Pacific NW heat wave! Cooling questions.

[Discordian]

So I am up in the pacific NW. Temperatures are set to hit 110 where I am today and tomorrow. I have no AC, so I'm worried about the tank a bit. Yesterday I thought several large ice packs would be enough to keep my tank cool, but they didn't help too much (basically just kept the temperature from rising, until they melted) . I normally have my tank at 78. I have mostly lps and a few easy sps. I have a couple questions:

1. What temperature should I absolutely try and keep my tank under?

2. What is the highest temperature my tank can be at for a few hours?

3. Should I turn off my heaters? The lowest the outside temperature will get the next two days is 76 so I doubt they would kick on.

A few emergency ideas I have considered are: ice packs and if things get really bad running cold tap water through an RO line coiled in the sump. I already have a fan and dehumidifier running to try and increase evaporation. Anything else I should consider.

Thanks!

 

[Jon's Reef]

Portable air conditioner. Make a duct to blow it into the sump area and the top of the tank.

 

[SoggyNW]

You could also cover the glass side in foam board to help insulate the tank from the outside. A fan blowing on the surface will help via evaporative cooling.

 

[fish farmer]

Open up any cabinets/hoods associated with the fish tank.

Blow fan over the sump/tank.

Cut back light schedule or run it at cool part of the day.

Unplug heater, but this shouldn't be running if your temp/thermostat is running properly.

Cool the room if possible, no A/C....open windows at night and fan them to bring cool outside air in, then draw the shades during the day to keep the sun from coming in. I do this regularly for own comfort...I can get 30 degree swings here in Vermont and can do without A/C on many days.

I freeze plastic jugs, soda/juice bottles and switch those out of my sump. My tank is small 29 gallon DT with 20 gal sump so a frozen bottle can drop it a degree.

I would try to keep it below 82 since you were at 78. Many times I've run my tank higher during the summer 80 to 82 so the change isn't drastic.

 

[MaxTremors]

You can make a DIY air conditioner with a large Styrofoam cooler, some metal dryer vents, a small fan and a bunch of ice an. Here are instructions:

Redirect Notice

www.google.com

I would also recommend putting a fan running across the surface of your tank, the evaporation will help cool it. Really as many fans as you can get. Also, periodically put some ice in the sump.

They only other option is get a window air conditioning unit, you can get one for fairly cheap. It won’t cool your whole house, but will hopefully keep it cool enough that your aquarium will survive. I’m also in the NW, and am grateful that I have excellent central air, because it’s been 100°+ almost all month long.