How Do You Lower Water Temperature?

[slimeneo]

Hi, I have a 10 gal. tank with 5 platys and 3 gold barbs. Recently 2 of my gold barbs have gone missing (probably eaten) and I think it may be because of the high temperature of the tank. Since I have some plants that need light, the light is turned on for about 10 hours a day. Thus, the tank can go up to about 85 degrees F which is probably not good for the fish as the highest temp for them should be about 70, I believe.

that being said, I don't know any efficient way to cool the tank. when I do water changes, I don't want to deviate too much in temperature because I'm afraid it might shock the fish.

Does anyone have a way to cool the fish without going out and purchasing a device that controls water temp?

Thanks!

 

[justin85]

Iv read that some people freeze a bottle of water and put that in to the tank (with the lid screwed on tight) I have never tried it so I don't know how effective it is, but I should imagen on a small tank would work.
If you do try it, keep an eye on your temperature incase it lowers it To much.

 

[cornclose]

Get a desk fan - a not too big one in the case of a 10 gal, and put it on pointing at the tank at an angle so the air will flow across both sides of the tank (if possible). Leave it on over night. I can reduce the temp of my 200 litre from 27 C back down to 25.5 C in an 8-10 hour period using this method.

 

[Dazzler666]

I use a a bag of ice (water In a freezer bag!!) or as
Said by Hustin ise a frozen bottle of water (very small bottle for that size tank).
Either of the above methods are not really ideal ways to deal with temp fluctuations and really are a temporary means.
Maybe you should cut down your lighting if this seems to be the source of the excess heat. Whats more important, your plant or your fish?!
As a suggestion i woud research or ask For which plants work better with less lighting and/or consider fish which are happier at higher temperatures.
Remember, plants also need dark to grow aswell as light. How about adding some form of evening lighting by using LED lamps? Then uou cod have tour main light on for maybe 6hrs, then night light for several hours as they give off very little heat and then turn the lights all off for bed!! .
Hope all works out!!

 

[ZoddyZod]

10hrs seems excessive for plants - most only need a maximum of 8hrs. Do you have specific species which are known to require a longer photoperiod?

 

[thereverendturtle]

A small fan blowing across the surface of the water will reduce the temp quite a bit. Plus as the water evaporates, you can use cooler water as your top off.

 

[slimeneo]

I have a plant called moneywort, I believe. If it doesn't get enough light, the bottom starts to rot. But today I haven't turned on the light so it's at 82 degrees now.. I will try and add a frozen water bottle when I do turn on the lights.

Thanks!

 

[Inchworm]

Hi slimeneo,

The question you need to ask yourself is whether the fish or the plant is more important to you. If you choose the fish, leave the light off while the weather is this hot. Another option is pulling the plant out and relocating it to a bucket or other container placed near a window or other source of light.

Thank goodness, the summer heat will not last forever and your aquarium will soon get back to normal.

 

[KrystaK]

It's true that Moneywort does need a decent amount of light, right in line with other plants really.
Maybe you should look into getting a different light bulb. I have to leave my 30 gal light on for 7 hours a day to grow my Amazon Swords properly, while in my 20 gal I only need about 5 hours, due to the type of light. The one in the 20 gal is designed to suit plants, the one in the 30 gal is just a standard light, but it makes a difference.

I find using a frozen water bottle works very well to cool down a hot tank, though once the ice melts the temp tends to go right back up.

 

[slimeneo]

Thanks for all the replies.

Of course my fish are more important, so I'm thinking about only turning the light on when it gets dark for a couple of hours. Yes, thankfully summer is ending soon!

I'm not sure what kind of light bulbs I have tbh, but perhaps I may find light bulbs that generate less heat. Or maybe I should just use a lamp instead..