Temperature problems in 2.5g Nano

[R. Rinaldi]

I just setup a 2.5g with some sand and live rock. The only technology is 18w coralife mini, whcih puts out some serious heat. I went with a internal Duetto Mini filter (Its basically a micro-jet with a sponge compartment underneath - alot like the Elite mini) which must also add some heat.

So far no need for a heater - tank was 86 after lights were on a few hours, and 79-80 overnight with no lights.

Any ideas for how to keep these 2.5g nanos cooler?
(Suggestions for a chiller are unwelcome )

 

[vishboy]

Have a fan blowing across the top of the water. Tha other thing might be the pump. What kind of pump is it?

 

[bennerkla]

Had the same problem. I built a canopy to control my temp.

 

[JmLee]

build a pvc stand for the light so u can raise it, and just blow a fan at ur tank..

 

[HartfordWhalers]

yeah raise the lights and insert an old computer fan

 

[Big Ying]

You could trade the powerhead for a powerfilter. No heat from a powerfilter.

 

[R. Rinaldi]

Thanks all - Some of these techniques are in use on my 75g reef tank. The goal of this tank was to be low, low technology and low space given that it is literally a office "bookshelf" tank surrounded by books. The mini power-filter was too bulky and interfered with the lighting placement which is why the internal filter was used.

The hot light fixture was sitting on a piece of plexi-glass right on the tank surface. I removed the plexi and elevated the tank on "blocks" and inch or two above the water. We will see what that does since it will now breathe much better. I bought a cooling fan and will build a permanent platform behind and on the tank to hold the lights suspended and house the fan. The tank observer may now get a face full of wind ....

The scary thing is that the tank is hovering at 80-81 even without lights.

 

[jcm1229]

I just picked up a few 2.5g acryllic tanks on ebay. 10x10x6. I plan to set it up with the same 18w light. I'll raise it a bit in a small canopy. I'm planning on hooking up a second one as a gravity fed refugium (also more water volume) and adding one of those 16gph "palm filters" to add a little flow and run a tiny bit of carbon.

I'm planning this nano to be for stray zoo polyps etc ...

I'll post a new thread when I get it set up.

 

[R. Rinaldi]

Postscript:

With the heater sitting directly on plexi, the tank reached 86 during the day with the lights on - too hot.

With the plexi removed, the lights elevated 1.5 inches, and an 80mm fan, the tank tempertaure falls down to 74 during the day with the lights on - too cold - but climbs back to 80 overnight with the fan and light off.

Solution: Elevated lights with the 80mm fan, but a piece of plexi re-installed to keep evaporation cooling at a minimum. The tank runs at about 80 overnight with no lights and fan, and at about 80 during the day with the lighhts and fan on. The fan cools the light, but the evaporative surface cooling on the surface is limited by the small piece of plexi. (There is also an inch on each side for air exchange.

No need fror a heater, but we will see what happens when winter temperatures return ....