SH tank w/o a chiller?

[awestruck]

Hi Everyone,
I want to convert my 29g. reef to a SH species tank. Am still doing my research... I think a tropical SH tank would probably be easiest because of temperature. My home does not have central air but there is an air cond. in the living room. So, how do you all maintain your temperatures in the summer months--is a chiller absolutely necessary? Also, is it possible to grow seagrass in an aquarium? Advice is greatly appreciated and TIA.

 

[Randy1]

Depends on what you what to keep and the type of lighting you use. If you have a window ac in the same room as the tank you'll probably be fine. Metal Halides are very hot while different types of florescence are much cooler. Fans in the hood and over the sump help a lot.

 

[awestruck]

Thanx Randy1. I have compact flourescents and my corals are doing very well (no SPS). I have also heard that people use those little clip-on fans to help remove heat from the water. What I want to do is clear out much of the 29 (some live rock and the corals and the fish), purchase some tonga rock, get good macro algae for the SH's, and kinda start from there. What do you think?

 

[pledosophy]

Plans sound good.

Fans help if they are pointed directly at the surface of the water so they actually cause aggitation on the surface. Fans in the camopy to remove the heat from the lights are also helpful. If using fans pointed at the water you are going to have to top off more water then normal because of the evaporation caued by the fans. No biggie, just saying,

Seagrasses will need MH's, but most macro's will not. Try prolifera for a grass bed look that grows under PC's.

 

[awestruck]

Thanx so much for your advice. I'm excited but still have a lot of research to do! Wishing everyone peace.