cooling fans

[timdam]

simple question...

even if my sump is not terribly hot, but warm... would adding a small fan down there help with less evaporation?

 

[mr.maroonsalty]

no it would increase it; evaporation=cooling

 

[hillscp]

cooling fans

Adding a fan would help but with MORE evaporation.

 

[timdam]

really? i thought HEAT made stuff evaporate more.

 

[joeychitwood]

The air movement across the surface of the water would increase the evaporation. As mentioned above, evaporation is associated with heat loss or cooling. If you are having trouble with water temps or high temps in the stand, I'd recommend using the fan and dealing with the increased need for top-offs.

 

[timdam]

well, like i said, it's not HOT. it's just warm. from the heater, return pump and fuge light. I unplugged the heater for now since it's summer anyways.

 

[serpentman]

When using a fan you are blowing drier air across the surface of the water. This increases the rate of evaporation which draws energy from the water column and results in a cooling of the tank.

If your heater is working properly, unplugging it should not have a net effect on your water temps. In other words if your tank is being heated by the room temp, your heater shouldn't even be working. I would consider a fan and deal with the additional evaporation. Or consider lighting the tank at night.

 

[joeychitwood]

In an ecosystem as delicate as a reef tank, fans, ice, lighting changes, etc. are only temporary measures until you can permanently solve the problem. A wall or window AC unit can be purchased for the price of a few coral frags and can restore stability to your tank.

 

[timdam]

another thing, i had no holes in my custom stand except for a small drilled hole for plugs. so i went ahead and cut a hole in the back of my stand for ventilation. now it doesn't feel so hot inside.

 

[lordofthereef]

That will also help humidity beneath the stand. Good call

 

[timdam]

That will also help humidity beneath the stand. Good call

thanks. i'm glad that might help. cuz there's no going back!

 

[mr.maroonsalty]

"Its just wood, and sometimes as easy to fix as drywall" lol If your fuge light is building up heat you may need a case fan for your stand; what kind of bulb are you using in the sump?

 

[timdam]

"Its just wood, and sometimes as easy to fix as drywall" lol If your fuge light is building up heat you may need a case fan for your stand; what kind of bulb are you using in the sump?

hmmmm, i can't really tell u. Some light from home depot. just a small blue light and normal pc light. only about 6 inches long.

it's a small sump, and the fuge was built into it.