Stupid Question... Whats new???

PerplexyHexy · Sep 30, 2016

I live in SoCal and am having a problem with water temp getting way high... Of course its pretty much Fall here now and still running around 96• I am having trouble keeping my water at a reasonable temperature... Im currently at 82.3• and thats after the halides come on for 5 hours... I know thats way high... Is there a cheap way to make the water cooler... My budget is tapped... I spent everything... I had a crazy idea and not sure it would work... Could I add a small chiller to my ATO Reservoir? Would that be enough to cool the water down? I cant afford a 600$ chiller... I dont know what to do? Any ideas or input would be greatly appreciated!!!

cromag27 · Sep 30, 2016

Turn your AC on.

PerplexyHexy · Sep 30, 2016

AC is set @ 80•... I know that would help, but running the AC isnt exactly cheap in a 2,900 sq. ft. home in socal... Thats why I was seeing maybe there was a little bit of an easier way... Sounds stupid!!! Hahahah!

Dancingmad · Sep 30, 2016

Kick that AC down to 78, and put a couple fans on/near the tank for evaporation station. Give 'em your critters just a couple more degreeeeeeees. Don't think there will be a cheaper/easier way to keep that tank temp down. Chillers aren't cheap to operate either - they're essentially mini 'fridges (lots of power in general when they run, and they increase ambient temp). At least with a lower AC you get bonus creature comfort too

PerplexyHexy · Sep 30, 2016

Ive seen mini chillers for like 150$... Thats why I was asking if putting chiller in reservoir ato tank would help in just the slightest way...

PerplexyHexy · Sep 30, 2016

I lose abit over a liter a day of water from evaporation... So my ato comes on a good few times...

Dancingmad · Sep 30, 2016

I hear ya on the AC cost for sure - I'm in Texas, and my near death 12 year old AC is on all the time :-(. Costs at least 2 fingers and a toe in the summer to operate.

Could only speculate wildly - I'd wager the temp difference would be marginal at best(and would depend on the size of your tank. I bet it could be calculated). Plus don't forget to consider the energy bill for that chiller running to cool the water that isn't even in your tank yet. If you're kickin' around spending $150 for a chiller and paying to run it I'd just drop the AC a degree or two....Cold front season is upon us(CHEEEEER!!!!)!!!!1111one

cromag27 · Sep 30, 2016

No. if it did make a difference, it would be a small, inconsistent one.

PerplexyHexy said:
Ive seen mini chillers for like 150$... Thats why I was asking if putting chiller in reservoir ato tank would help in just the slightest way...

Heather w · Sep 30, 2016

PerplexyHexy said:
Ive seen mini chillers for like 150$... Thats why I was asking if putting chiller in reservoir ato tank would help in just the slightest way...

I've heard that halides make the tank alot hotter than led lights too. I have LEDs and a thermostat. Unless I have a power outage, heat isn't something I've ever had to deal with.

PerplexyHexy · Sep 30, 2016

Dangit!!!

tomtom2245 · Sep 30, 2016

Try some fans blowing across the top of the tank. There are some inexpensive options that clip onto the side of a tank.

PerplexyHexy · Sep 30, 2016

So ***** though... Would fans in sump area help? Howmuch do they really cool things down?

PerplexyHexy · Sep 30, 2016

Sorry again for stupid questions!!!

cromag27 · Sep 30, 2016

Fans increase evaporation and they will not create consistent temperatures.

PerplexyHexy · Sep 30, 2016

So??? Final answer???

cromag27 · Sep 30, 2016

1. ditch the mh.
2. adjust AC.
3. chiller.

PerplexyHexy said:
So??? Final answer???

PerplexyHexy · Sep 30, 2016

I cant ditch the mh... I spent a bunch on tank and light system used... Therefore I need to find a reasonable outcome...

cromag27 · Sep 30, 2016

Then 2 or 3.

Heather w · Oct 1, 2016

tomtom2245 said:
Try some fans blowing across the top of the tank. There are some inexpensive options that clip onto the side of a tank.

Unless they are made FOR marine use it wouldn't put a fan that close to your tank. Murphys Law applies to everyone.

Salty1962 · Oct 1, 2016

tomtom2245 said:
Try some fans blowing across the top of the tank. There are some inexpensive options that clip onto the side of a tank.

I did this on my previous 90 that I had 2 250s running and I placed a fan pointed over my sump and it cut the temp down by 3-4 degrees. I also had 3 fans in my hood, 1 pushing, 1 pulling and one on top to pull air.