BC29 Heat problems

[kclauser]

I have a Biocube 29 with the 4.36 lighting upgrade from nanotuners (4 36watt pc's for those who aren't familiar). I swapped out the 60x60x10mm fans they gave me for 60x60x25mm panaflo fans I got from newegg.com. The 10mm thick fans worked ok but were loud and rattled bad. I figured with 15mm extra thickness to work with, my new fans would have no trouble being both more quiet and more efficient. Today however, after my normal photo period, my temps were 83.8.

Is this significant enough to cause long term problems? My heater kicks in at about 78-79 and ideally Id like to keep my temps around 80-81. However if ending the day at 83 wont cause troubles with my fish or my corals (planning mostly pacific fish and softies/leathers/few lps) then I wont worry about it. However I dont think that will be the case and I am looking for some ways to cool the tank a bit.

 

[zma21]

Yea, you live in Florida. The temperature is probably gonna climb a little bit under pc's. Only thing i can suggest is perhaps starting your photoperiod a couple hours earlier and end a couple hours earlier. You can take advantage of the cooler temps.

If not that, go drop $400 on a chiller LOLOLOL!

 

[ghostman]

I recently posted a similar thread regarding heat build up in my BC29. I got no answers from it, but do have some tips. Leave the back lid open for evaporative cooling, and if possible run a small fan across it. I got better results leaving the back open rather than the front lid. Another option is the variable speed fans from nanotuners, they are louder at higher V, but move a lot of air. HTH

 

[slumpysix]

Keep your heater set at about 74-76. your tank won't lose too much heat overnight when the lights are out. Like ghost said, leave the rear lid open a bit. I have the sapphire skimmer in my second chamber and the collection cup keeps the lid open about a 1/2". I run my lights for about 9 hrs a day. my temp is at about 79-80 all the time.

 

[kclauser]

Im not too sure about setting my heater that low though. I do run the A/C at night so the temp gets to about 74 and then I run my ceiling fan on full blast and if Im gunna be hitting 80-81 every day with the lights on I dont want the temp to be dropping 7+ degrees in that short amount of time. Im not saying you are wrong, thats just what Im afraid will happen if I lower my heater.

 

[kclauser]

Side note, Ive been looking into that skimmer, what is your opinion of it?

 

[slumpysix]

My temps don't drop to that low. It's just to keep the heater off but able to turn on when needed. I don't have an actual degree on the heater but just a low to high setting and I keep it on the lower side. If you keep the lid closed you will contain the heat also during the night. It's just what works for me I guess. Now it's been like that thru the winter so I'm sure my temps will be creeping up a bit higher during the summer.

As far as the skimmer goes, some like it, some don't. Mine works great and I'm happy with it. Cost wise it was a little steep. I also do a 5 gal a week water change. With the chemi-pure I run, water changes, and skimmer, I have nice clear water.

cya
Jeff