cooling

**speakerpedal** · 07-09-2008, 08:23 PM

It's that time of the year again for my area. Yup. Summer. I live in a city called Alhambra which is about 20 miles away from Los Angeles. During summer, our temperature usually hits in the high 90s and at record times triple digits. This wouldn't be a problem for my fish tank(s) if I had air conditioning at home. Unfortunately, we don't have it here, and I'm stuck wondering what I should do about controlling my tanks temperature over the summer. I don't want to throw ice cubes in there because of the chlorine and I'm afraid of what it will do to the water, as well as adding more volume to my tank. Any ideas on cooling my tank?
I was considering putting a bunch of ice cubes in a plastic bag, but I'd wanna see if there are any other useful methods to keeping my fish cool. Thanks!

**graceluvsplatys** · 07-09-2008, 08:26 PM

besides getting an expensive chiller, i would do the ice cube in bag.
just to check with the experts, im not sure, but could you freeze ice cubes in water already removed of chlorine?
how big are your tanks? cuz small ones would heat faster, huge ones may only heat a tiny bit. what fish do you have?

**fins_n_fur** · 07-09-2008, 08:38 PM

I believe it was Lady Hobbs who suggested filling empty, clean soda bottles with water and freezing them to put in the tank to keep things cooler. Just don't fill them up to the top...water expands when it freezes. And if the cap is srewed on tightly, you'll have minimal leakage (they should kind of float as well). You could also add a wee bit of dechlorinator to the water before putting in the bottle if that is a concern.

**Billythefish** · 07-09-2008, 09:10 PM

I use a cool box you know the type you take to a picnic to keep your drinks cold, i put my air pump in the cool box with the lid on leaving a small gap... The cold air then go's up the air hose into the tank and out the air stone, using a air flow ajuster i can keep the temp at a safe level all day, all you need do is stick the ice packs back in the freezer over night and put them back in the morning. Hope this trick help you.

**kaybee** · 07-09-2008, 09:58 PM

Fans work well (evaporative cooling).

**PUNISHER VETTE** · 07-09-2008, 10:36 PM

Yeah. Fans blowing across the top of your tank helps a lot. Just keep the lighting off as much as possible too.

I was also thinking.....what if you put your air pump in the refrigerator and had a small hose going into the tank and to an air stone.

air in the fridge is about 40ish degrees....

**troy** · 07-09-2008, 11:14 PM

Yes, you can freeze water without chlorine.

**The Wedge** · 07-09-2008, 11:22 PM

I would have to second what kaybee and P.V. has said Evaporative Cooling is a lot more effective and keeps the temp from the yo-yo effect that you will get messing with ice. It is more stable because it is evaporating at a somewhat constant rate. I live in Pasadena as well and yes...it is hot. If you have a lid or latch in front you could blow into that and angle the fan down across. The downside is you have to add more water continually but it is the lesser of two evils.

Hey come get my P. Demasoni fry since your 10 miles away they should be closer to an inch in about a week. Start an African tank so I can supply you with free fish.