Tank Temperature

[Marty.h]

Ive noticed my tank temperature over last day has been fluctuating a lot as ive been having the lights on to enjoy looking at the fish and with highish ambient temps indoors I have seen it go up 3 degrees no problems and hit just under 29 degrees. I have been looking about the net and have come across aquarium chillers that are digitally controlled and will cool if need be to the temperature im wanting the tank at. I know the chillers don't come cheap and I have seen people mention cold bottles , ice cubes ect but thats ok if you there and notice the large spike. Im not really worried about cost but was wondering if they are worth getting and will they then keep the tank at a constant temp as some of the reviews ive read suggest they do a good job of it but I thought I would ask opinions here. Sorry for all the questions recently but wanting to do it right and keep the fish comfortable.

cheers
Marty

 

[b3cca]

Not sure how yours is reaching 29 degrees in the UK ? Can't you Just turn down your heater ?
 I have never even needed a chiller in the UK for my Cold Water axolotl tank never mind for a tropical tank
 
Is it a really small tank or something ?

 

[Marty.h]

Its 180 litres. Its worse when the tank lighting is on

 

[nic1]

Hi,
Do you have a spare thermometer to put in the tank? I always add two in my tanks at either end just to be doubly sure.
Is the tank near any radiators, direct sun light or any sources of heat?
How warm is your room?
Have you considered an automatic heater to control the temperature?

 

[Mamashack]

This has been a common problem in the UK this summer as it has been unusually hot. It's due to the ambient temp increasing rather than heater involvement . Switching off the heater wouldn't have a cooling effect (if only it did!)
What type of chiller are you looking for? In-line? Temp controlled fan chiller? I have seen one of the latter and would love to have one - wish I could afford it! Would also help avoid big temp swings if it automatically switches on and off earlier.
Have you tried opening the hood? It worked for my 60L platy tank, tho the 19L shrimp tank needed extra help with a fan blowing across the air vent at various angles depending on what I want to achieve, however that only woks if you are around to spot any changes. Means more topping up too, but it helps keep temp under control for me - might not work so well for your larger tank tho, Marty.
Have to say if I had the dosh I'd definitely get one of the fan ones.

 

[Marty.h]

Im presently running a digital thermometer ive now ordered a digital heater instead of the normal twist to adjust ones as they must be more accurate. The lighting system is a double tube lige setup so does put out a fair bit of heat

The chiller I was looking at is an inline one like this


http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/301168369539?redirect=mobile

I will need a slightly higer flow rate one as the external filter is moving near on 1500 litres an hour but thats the sort of chiller im looking at

 

[b3cca]

Where on earth do you guys live in the UK that needs a chiller in a tropical tank lol obviously a hotter place than I do.
My Axxie tank with no heater, no chiller has never ever gone above 24 degrees even in the summertime
 
A 3 degree temp fluctuation in a 180 litre tank is going to happen pretty slowly anyways it's not just going to be a sudden rapid shock so shouldn't cause any harm at all anyways 

 

[Mamashack]

I'm in Yorkshire  and whilst I agree with you B3cca, that's fine if the temperature drops all the way back down again overnight. I don't know about Marty, but my tanks temps were gradually spiralling upwards daily, so that's why I intervened.
Keeping the hood open alone works on the 60L platy tank which I don't like to go over 26. The main concern has been keeping the shrimp tank in the 22 region. Even with a couple of fans I'm only managing to keep it between 22 & 24. However as Marty says it does mean you've to be around to notice any changes.

 

[Marty.h]

Im in Norwich. Its ok saying turn the heating down ect but if you have a well insulated house the heat stays in as insulation works both ways and during the course of the day with doors and that open the heat gets in amd days here have been very hot I was just thinking of the welfare of the fish thats all. Its nice to have the lights on the tank to enjoy the fish but in doing so the temp goes up which then makes it unfair on the fish as it does go up. I also have shrimp im my tank

 

[b3cca]

In the wild most tropical fish will live in water that is obviously warmer near the surface or in shallow areas than deeper down and it will change a few degrees through the seasons and even from day to night.
 
If you think paying that is worth it and will benefit your fish and give you peace of mind and keep everything stable then I'm sure they will work just fine and do a good job for your tank.
I just personally wouldn't stress about a couple of degrees temp fluctuation in my tank is all but that is simply my own opinion and I'm definitely no expert lol.

 

[Mamashack]

If it was only a couple of degrees it wouldn't be so bad. My understanding is that fish can tolerate better a drop in temperature, better than a rise in temperature. This mimics the effect of rainfall in the wild which cools the water and in some species is the signal for spawning.

 

[evan47]

most tropical fish will tolerate temperatures of 30c for a sustained period, in fact the most commonly used method to treat ich is to raise the temp this high for 10 to 14 days.
as long as the temp is not rapidly fluctuating i would not worry about it too much.