Cooling A Tank

[tangokitty]

it is hot here in California, and my 50 gallon tank has been hitting 80-85f and I'm afraid the fish will die (mostly the white clouds). what's the best way to cool it off?

 

[BigC]

If you have an external power filter you could probably place it in a polystyrene/cooler box and fill the box with ice.
Regards
BigC

 

[tangokitty]

I do have an external filter! I'll have to try that! Thanks. i've also been reading old threads about the subject and they have some good ideas as well.

Vanessa

 

[Eines]

On a really hot day I put an ice pack in a plastic bag of water and put the bag in the aquarium, but that was really just experimental, so I don't know how well that method works or how safe it is. It did however get the water to go down about two degrees celcius.

 

[joecoral]

if its going to be a long term problem (living in california it probably will be) it might be worth investing in a chiller. They're expensive, but will keep the temperature constand and at a safe level

 

[Dorkhedeos]

Which part of CA are you in?

 

[tangokitty]

I live in Stanton which is in Southern CA. Today it was 100f out Tomorrow will be a little cooler, I got the tank down to 80f and will be keeping a fan blowing over it. I also think my lights help keep it hot, since I have a planted tank with 2 compact florecents.

 

[Corleone]

The ice bag suggestion works. You can do it with water bottles, too, if you want to minimize the chance of accidentally dumping ice water into the tank. Set up a fan blowing accross the top of the tank, too - you'll have more evaporation, but it should help cool the tank.

Southern california, though, I'd invest in a chiller, as temperature's probably going to be a continuing problem for you, and everything else is a temporary solution that you'll have to keep doing.

Compact florescent lights don't create too much heat. A fraction of what incandescents would in their place, at any rate. They might be contributing, but not all that much I shouldn't think.