Tank overheating

Mr.Asbury · May 28, 2019

The AC is out at my school, and the temperature is quickly rising now that all the students are in the room. My tank's at 81.5 so far(78 when they arrived an hour ago), even with a fan blowing around the room(it's oscillating, and hitting the tank directly at the stop point). When the kids leave during my lunch, I'm going to put the fan on top of a desk and blow it directly into the tank. Until then, is there anything I can do for temp. control?

Dom · May 28, 2019

Have the fan blow directly over the top of the tank to accelerate evaporation and thereby cool the tank. Are you running a sump? Place ice in bags and float the bags in the sump. If you don't have a sump, float bags of ice in the tank itself.

I keep frozen bottles of water for just such emergencies.

Billldg · May 28, 2019

You can turn the power heads up towards the top to cause turbulence and thus promote evaporation, also place a fan on top of tank and allow the air to move across the top to also promote evaporation, if temp still rises then u can put ice in the tank, just be careful as you dont want to drop tank temp to quickly and also as the ice melts it will change the salinity of the tank.

Dom · May 28, 2019

Billldg said:
also as the ice melts it will change the salinity of the tank.

This is why I suggested placing the ice in bags. As the ice melts, it is contained in the bags and will not impact water chemistry.

Mr.Asbury · May 28, 2019

Luckily, we have an ice machine in the storage area behind my room. I'll try floating some in bags now. I also have all cabinets doors & the hood open for a little air exchange.

TARHEEL78 · May 28, 2019

Ice bags are probably going to be your best bet as the day gets hotter.

ReeferReefer · May 28, 2019

Clip on fans pointed directly at the water surface will cool the tank greatly. Just make sure you have an ATO set up. I recommend getting a temp controller to run it like the Inkbird or an Apex.

Frozen water bottles or bags of ice will work in a pinch but are not a long term solution obviously.

BadFish619 · May 28, 2019

+1 ice in bags or frozen water bottles. Other than a water change. Do you keep water on hand? Is it stored in a cool place that won't be cool for too much longer?