Cooling Solutions for 24gal Nano

[F00jin]

I havent aquired a thermometer yet so I am not quite sure exactly how hot my tank has been getting. But by the touch, I can tell its definitly not around 77 degrees (which I hear is the prefered temperature for a reef tank). My temperature fluctuates because I am having to top off my tank about every morning (while the lights are off) with about room temperature, maybe a little lower, water. (and I dont have an auto top off system) I was topping off twice a day before I just recently made a plexy glass cover for the tank to reduce evaporation and heat. My pretty new MH lighting I am assuming is generating a little too much heat for my 24gal. Temperature seems fine by the touch for most of the time but when its almost time for my lights to turn off at night, I can tell the water is pretty hot. Please list some suggestions on how to keep my tank at a constant, good temperature. If I need to buy a chiller thats fine but if there is a cheaper solution to this problem that would be great. The only flow I am getting in my tank is from the pretty standard, rio+ 600 pump that I am using that has a splitter going into 2 seperate directions (one breaking the surface, the other at a downward angle). I am thinking on purchasing a little nano koralia for extra flow overall but was wondering also if that would help cool my tank at all.
If it is a chiller that I need to look into, please list some good kinds for a 24gal reef system that arent so bulky.
Thanks in advance!
-AJ

 

[sruiz]

Chiller will work fine. In the mean time maybe you can try some of those clip on fans or any house fan pointed at the tank. Not sure what type of light you have but maybe you can buy an attachment that will allow you to raise it.

 

[allsps40]

I would not worry to much about heat with the stock pc lights in the nano cube. The cooling fans and opening the lid if needed will keep temp is check. If you have a mh light like the nanotuner mod then a chiller is your best bet. With a clamp on or pendant mh a fan over the tank will keep temp in check. My 6 gallon nano cube with 2 18 watt pcs and no cooling fans runs at 83 degrees with the lid closed and I have not had any problems. I would not want to go any higher than 83 though.