Tank Cooling

[RRasco]

I have a 10 gallon as my quarantine that sits in my 55 stand. Last night I was moving my cichlids from their 20 gallon so I could install the new background. During this process I noticed the water was considerable warmer in the 10 gallon then the 20. The 20 gallon was showing a temp of 78 F, and I measured the 10 gallon at 82 F. I added some ice to the 10 for a little bit, got the temp down to 80 F. but this morning it was back up to 82.

Anyone know what is causing the heat? and any remedies to keep it cool other than adding ice?

 

[cleekdaFish]

my 10 gallon also does that, i just turn off the lites

 

[RRasco]

i thought it was the lights at first, since they are incandescent. i left them off last night and the temp still went up. I am thinking since there is not much air movement arount the tank, and its compeltely closed in, the heat builds up. I just need a remedy to cool the tank other than a chiller, they are too damn expensive.

 

[MoMa]

I had a similar problem. If your heater has a thermostat with numbers, pay attention to what temperature it's at when it turns on (look for the orange 'light'). Mine set to 80' but turning on at 80'-82'. I turned down the heater to about 76' (as this would be the new 80'). That worked.
Other options would be to locate the tank furhter away from a heat source, such as baseboard heaters, etc.; keep the lights off for as long as possible; invest in a chiller.

10gallon tanks, contrary to most LFS' recommendations, are actually much harder to keep. More water hides more mistakes. Good Luck!

 

[raptorrex]

I have a 10 gallon as my quarantine that sits in my 55 stand. Last night I was moving my cichlids from their 20 gallon so I could install the new background. During this process I noticed the water was considerable warmer in the 10 gallon then the 20. The 20 gallon was showing a temp of 78 F, and I measured the 10 gallon at 82 F. I added some ice to the 10 for a little bit, got the temp down to 80 F. but this morning it was back up to 82.

Anyone know what is causing the heat? and any remedies to keep it cool other than adding ice?

you could try using poly soda bottles filled 3/4 full of water then frozen, drop one in your tank, keeping an eye on the temp, as they defrost replace with a fresh one. you could also look at fitting some sort of fan to blow accross the water surface.

 

[Griz]

A fan (even a very small) one may help. What is the average room temperature? The tank really shouldn't get any higher than that.

My problems tend to be trying to keep my tanks from freezing.

 

[RRasco]

i actually dont have a heater in this tank. its already too hot as is so......yeah.

boboboy that is a great idea with the 2 liters. although it will be a non stop battle. atleast til it gets colder, that just might work. i knew someone would have a good solution. My 55 is at 78 and i dont have a heater or anything in there. i figured as long as i keep my apt about 78-80 the tanks would stabalize around there as well. hrm...we'll give it a try. thanks guys.

 

[qwikimpss]

A real easy solution that you will benefit from as well, put an air conditioner in your room. It worked for me as 2 summers ago my tanks were getting up near 90 degrees without cooling measures. Now they don't get much above 80 (and thats when I turn the heaters up) and my room stays a nice, comfy 72.

 

[RRasco]

first, that would be more money than i am willing to invest in my 10 gallon quarantine. second, the tank is in my dining room, which happens to open up into the kitchen and living room. so i dont think an ac unit would really help. possibly a small portable ac unit under the stand, but that would just be overkill...plus, i dont think it would fit.