Temp Control

[Alexa&Walt]

Morning. We're running a 65gallon mini-reef with sump, protein skimmer, etc.

We're using T-5 Flourescent lighting that is positioned under a canopy.

We're experiencing gradual temperature creep upward, and are struggling to keep the temp down.

The ambient temp is the room hovers around 70-75F, but the water temp is continually over 82F and sometimes approcaching 83-84F.

As we enter summer in Alabama, the room ambient temp will only increase.

With the exception of adding a chiller, what can be done?

Any innovative ideas?

 

[Paintbug]

i would try some fans either blowing on the water surface of the tank, or the sump, even both. your evaporation will increase, but it beats $500+ for a chiller.

 

[Alexa&Walt]

fans

fans

Yep...I was just 'googling' silent fans.

My plan is to add silent ventilation fans to the canopy and another fan to circulate air in the cabinet.

All we need is a 5F reduction. I priced chillers and don't want to go there yet.

We'll see what results we get from the fans.

 

[JTEAGUE]

I'm going thru the same thing right now. here are some answers I've got and the ideas I've tried.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1069146

Hope that worked? The link that is!

 

[Paintbug]

5ºF reduction should be possible with fans. that would give you 78º-79ºF but as long as you keep the temp under 85ºF you are good. i keep my tank at 80º-81ºF myself.

 

[murfman]

I was running 120vac 4.5" computer fans and they were loud. I bought some 4.5" icecap fans used and they keep the water no more than 1.5* warmer than the initial setting. They are also virtually silent. What is nice is they are variable and increase in speed based on temp. They are pricy new but IMHO well worth the cost. Make sure you have them both blowing into the canopy and not one in one out.