Submerged Pump and Temp. Difference

[wardworld]

Trying to get an idea about what to do next...I've finally got the 120 up and running and after a bout with the psycho-foaming ER skimmer, I'm moving on to the next issue: tank temp. It's been consistent from 82 (at night w/ no lights) to 84 w/ lights on - I'm using a 6-lamp T-5 Solar Flare about 1 - 2 " off of the water surface.

I've got a submerged skimmer AND a submerged return pump: an Eheim 1260. Looking for feedback:
1. How many degrees might removing the return pump lower the tank temp. ?
2. What's the correct way to plumb and prime the return pump once it's external?
Thanks, I feel like I'm almost there.

 

[mflamb]

An external pump must have access to water below the water line. You will have to drill the sump to feed the external pump. Plumbing to the tank will be the same.

 

[CMcNeil]

as far as temp id say only 1-2 degrees(depends on what the watts of the pumps are).you need to drill a hole in the sump at the same level as the pump inlet centerline,then put in a bulkhead,then plumb the inlet to the sump.if you dont already have them you can add fans to the hood and sump for evap cooling.this should pull off a few degrees.

 

[mflamb]

Several of us can drill if you need help.

 

[wardworld]

Thanks, guys...I figured it was too simple just to connect some vinyl tubing to the intake
I put the fan over the sump, but it didn't seem to make any noticeable difference...

 

[CMcNeil]

just so you know ive seen a few full blown sps reef tanks(local reefers) that are running 83-84 temps during the day.

 

[wardworld]

checkinhawk, good info...I did do some checking a while back on wetweb media and they said that consistency was more important than a specific temp. (w/in reason I'm sure) - but that 84 wasn't out of the question for a sustainable temp...I was hoping for more like 80-81, but I'm not giving in to the chiller yet

 

[W Ellis]

I am running 6-54w T5s (DIY) and i use a little giant external pump. With 1 fan running in my canopy my tank stays between 79-81, mostly right at 80.

 

[wardworld]

TTRex, wow that's what I'd like.
I too have the 6 -54w T5s, it seems my only difference is the external pump. How do you like the little giant...I saw one at Ace Hardware for really cheap (don't know if it had the right specs though).

 

[W Ellis]

I have the model 4MDQ-SC. It is supposed to flow like 765 GPH at 6'. I like it, it is quiet unlike alot of pumps i have seen, easy maintenace. All i had to do was put a sponge under to keep it from vibrating on the wood. This site has the specs of a few models.... http://www.dencities.com/denmall/denmall-aquarium4.html

 

[CMcNeil]

i also use a giant pump,i have a 2mdqx-sc and it is not hot or loud.great pumps for the money.

 

[markandkristen]

im using a eheim 1262 and 175 halides with temps around 78-79.
if i turn my fan on in the canopy which is a clip on from walmart 7bucks it will go to around 76 degrees. i wouldnt give up on the eheim just yet. i have had a little giant. and i personally love the eheim better but thats just my opinion.

 

[wardworld]

Yeah, the fan clipped to the top blowing on the water seems to be slowly bringing it down...Now I just need to figure out a more permanent fan (maybe 2 computer type fans) placement. I really don't have anywhere in the canopy (it's only 9 inches high) to clip one on.

 

[ReefArtist]

I don't think my tank has ever seen 76 - LOL. All my pumps are internal (Skimmer, input and two flow). My temp remains around 81 to 83 but I have to make sure the fans are on, otherwise it will go to 84 - 85 in no time.

 

[wardworld]

ReefArtist, how many and where do you have your fans located in your setup?

 

[ReefArtist]

I have one in the sump area which is about 8 inches. I have two fans on the top of my canopy - I mounted these upside down so it would pull the hot are out and not push it into the water. I have plans to add two more on the back of the canopy.

 

[wardworld]

Good design...I'll keep that set-up in mind.
BTW, I was reading the post about the canopy and lighting...sounds like some really cool glass work you do.
I work at a visual and performing arts school and it's really inspiring to see how creative the kids (and instructors) can be.

 

[ReefArtist]

Thanks for the complement. I think it's going to be a lot of fun. I wanted to do this on my first tank but didn't get around to it. Now this tank is in my living room and I have people come to my house to see my art - it needs to look good and have a good design. Good luck with your tank and keeping the temp down.

 

[W Ellis]

My canopy is only about 8" tall with an open back. I have 2 110cfm computer style fans punched thru the ends of the canopy. I only use 1 of them and it blows in. It blows the cool air across the top of the water and pushes the hot air out the back. You could do the same with 2 lower cfm fans because the 110 is just too loud. If i would have thought ahead i would have left my tank a few inches away from the wall instead of about 1". I could have put the fans on the back of the canopy instead of cutting the 2 holes. If you have room to do that you could have 1 blowing in and the other pulling the air out at angles.

 

[ReefArtist]

Yea that's what I have planned to do with my other two fans I have for the back also. One that blows air in across the water and the other to pull the air out, then the two on top pulling the air out away from the lights and water. This is how we would setup our fans on our large computer racks. One large fan on the back pushing cooler air into the rack and one large fan on top pulling the hot air out of the rack.