Tank temp too hot

[desley]

Hi,

We are having a bit of a heatwave .. and the tank temp is 32 degrees or maybe closer to 34 now.

What can I do to cool it down a bit .. without having to go to shops as they are closed.

Can I put a few ice cubes in .. someone said that but wanted to check before doing it.

Temp is usually at 28 with the heater throughout winter .. so they are used to higher temps but 34 is getting a bit too high.

Our temps are supposed to be higher tomorrow so possible the tank temp will be higher again.

I have platties, danio, a few guppies.

Should I up my aeration pump with airstone? I have 2 switches fast & slow & I usually keep it on slow.

Thanks !!

 

[Angry_Platy]

Your buggest worry with warmer water is aeration...for this I would recommend turning your air pump up...

What kind of filter/s do you have? You might think about dropping the water level a bit...this will casue more surface disturbamce if you use canister or HOB filters.

It is also hot here too (NSW, Aus).....38deg C today.....currently my tanks are anywhere between 30 and 33degC.....fish are fine.....they have been in warmer water than that....

This happened last year.....I used ice bottles to reduce the temp...but then all my fish got ich (they hung around the bottle too much)...so now I don't do anything EXCEPT use an airstone on hot days (normal I don't use one at all)....the fish are fine....in fact, my cichlids get more active as the water gets warmer.

A water change may help.....

HTH

 

[akudewan]

You can do a WC with cool dechlorinated water. Just make sure the temperature difference is not too much. It shouldn't give "chills" to your fish

 

[desley]

Hi and thanks.

I lost nearly all my fish last year. They also got ich after the heatwave. The temps were 45 degees for about 5 days in a row and then I didn't have a pump for aeration. I am glad that this summer hasn't been as bad for us in QLD but you have been having bad time in NSW. I hope you get some relief soon.

Thanks for both of the advice given and I am going to up the aeration and also do a small water change with cooler water at a lower level. I have RO so it is easy to use some cool water thats been in the fridge for half hour or so.

 

[The_Gilly]

could it be worth using a desktop fan on the tank? It might work to bring the temp down a few degrees.

 

[BLASK]

buy a portable AC unit for the room you have your fish in! then your whole room is climate controled and no heat wave will trouble you or your fish!

 

[yvez9]

i agree
an air conditionner for the room is the best, and cheapest way to cool down a tank.

and your room stays cool too!

 

[Angry_Platy]

I wouldn't buy one just for the sake of the tanks....

Ttrust me, we gwt heatwaves here too....you'd be surprised at how happy the fish are at higher temps.....

The highest my tank ever got to was 36degC....HEAPS of aeration etc.....the fish weren't acting any different to when the tank is 28degC

 

[desley]

Hi and thanks.

Can't air condition the room as it's too large with high ceilings. Cost a fortune. We wish we could but we can only get ducted and we all know how expensive that it.

I just changed a small amount of water and used cool water and it was fine.

Today has cooled down and I actually had to plug the heater back in as the temp was down to 25 degrees .. I keep it at 28 to keep ich away.

One of my platties seems to have a whitish patch over his eye .. (the eye is fine) but around it. Seems like it's eating away but its not furry.

Going to post this in the emergency section.

 

[Mr Miagi]

I had the same problem a week ago down here in adelaide...sheesh.!!!

I have a hood on my aquarium, so i lifted it off. The fish didnt mind the lack of light!! It went up too 30c. And i think it lead to the death of my poor little Peacock spiny eel.

Damm Australian weather!

I dont have aircon either, but reducing light, and removing the lid a fraction to allow more oxygen to reach the water does help.

Goodluck dude.

Benny