Heating issue, any suggestions?

**Holyvision** · 08-25-2008, 01:08 AM

Hello there AC,

I am currently cycling a new 30 gallon tank to be used as a freshwater planted system. It should be noted that I live in Texas, which is the start of my issue!

The tank utilizes a canopy as well as an enclosed stand, the lighting is compact florescent which is 130 watts (65w x2). I use a Rena Xp1 canister filter with other standard equipment. Anyway, onto the question:

My digital thermometer keeps on flirting with 90 degrees in the heat of the day! Due to the size of the tank (30 gallons) there is no way I can accommodate a chiller, due to their large footprint as well as "breathing space" requirements. A large contribution to this issue is (I assume) the light, in addition to the fact that it's 100 degrees outside, and about 79 degrees in the house.

I could easily adjust my heater to maintain the temperature at 88 degrees, which would limit the temperature fluctuation to a minimum, however, that's pretty freggin' hot.

Pretty much, I need advise! Thanks a million (and one!),
--Holy

**gm72** · 08-25-2008, 01:10 AM

That is a lot of light for that tank. I would anticipate you will need some sort of CO2.

Just direct a fan at the top of the tank, should take the heat away significantly.

**Holyvision** · 08-25-2008, 01:16 AM

Originally Posted by gm72

That is a lot of light for that tank. I would anticipate you will need some sort of CO2.

Just direct a fan at the top of the tank, should take the heat away significantly.

That was fast! Thanks, I will give it a shot. I was trying to get 4 or 5 watts per gallon, so that rare or hard to grow plants might be viable (my goal is some nice Madagascar Lace), and I have the CO2 system already in place ^^.

--Holy

**xximanoobxx** · 08-25-2008, 01:18 AM

Originally Posted by Holyvision

That was fast! Thanks, I will give it a shot. I was trying to get 4 or 5 watts per gallon, so that rare or hard to grow plants might be viable (my goal is some nice Madagascar Lace), and I have the CO2 system already in place ^^.

--Holy

Nice, Yeah you need a fan but the water would evaporate really fast which is pain in the butt to top off.,... lol

**Holyvision** · 08-25-2008, 02:33 AM

Took some measurements (right before my alarm went off that the tank beat 91 degrees)

The max size of fan I could mount in the back of the canopy is 4" high, and that's with a little butter and oil! Anyone have any suggestions to a model of fan that you recommend? I sorta don't want to have to drill openings in the top of the canopy, as the lighting units do not allow for much room for drilling.

..getting kinda worried that the water is going to start boiling.

Thanks again,
--Holy

**gm72** · 08-25-2008, 11:11 AM

We must get that heat under control. Way too hot. Can you post a picture of the canopy? I wonder if you could fit a pair of computer case fans in there, with one pulling air in and one pushing air out the other side? It's the light that is creating your problem since you said the room only gets to about 79.

**Eileen** · 08-25-2008, 04:30 PM

Try using those non-toxic plastic ice packs, hard plastic ones not the soft ones that go in small lunch boxes in the freezer. Keep a few of the smaller ones to trade off til you get the temp. under control. You can also make your own by using those small size drinking water bottles and freezing water in it . Do not fill all the way for expansion when it freezes. Keep a few to have on hand when the water temp gets high. I have a friend that has a salt water tank and he puts ice cubes in a sealed zip lock bag to bring the temp. down on hot days. The hard ice packs will work the same but will last longer then the ice in a zip lock bag.That was before he invested in a chiller. They are expensive so this is a cheap way to control the temp in your tank. The fan will work also but the evaporation from using the fan will be greater. Also If you are in a 2-story home try to place the tank on the bottom level since heat rises and the home temp will be greater upstairs. I live in San Diego California and the temp. is not like where you are. Keep light on at a minimum on the really hot days. I don't even have my heater plugged in now because its about 78-80 inside my home when I don't have the air running . You might want to unplug the heater and only have it plugged in during the colder months. I hope this helps with your heated tank problems.

**Holyvision** · 08-25-2008, 06:36 PM

Originally Posted by Eileen

Try using those non-toxic plastic ice packs, hard plastic ones not the soft ones that go in small lunch boxes in the freezer. Keep a few of the smaller ones to trade off til you get the temp. under control. You can also make your own by using those small size drinking water bottles and freezing water in it . Do not fill all the way for expansion when it freezes. Keep a few to have on hand when the water temp gets high. I have a friend that has a salt water tank and he puts ice cubes in a sealed zip lock bag to bring the temp. down on hot days. The hard ice packs will work the same but will last longer then the ice in a zip lock bag.That was before he invested in a chiller. They are expensive so this is a cheap way to control the temp in your tank. The fan will work also but the evaporation from using the fan will be greater. Also If you are in a 2-story home try to place the tank on the bottom level since heat rises and the home temp will be greater upstairs. I live in San Diego California and the temp. is not like where you are. Keep light on at a minimum on the really hot days. I don't even have my heater plugged in now because its about 78-80 inside my home when I don't have the air running . You might want to unplug the heater and only have it plugged in during the colder months. I hope this helps with your heated tank problems.

Good idea. Lucky for me, there is no stock in the tank -- it is mid-cycle and I will not stock it until the temperature is under control. Also, my heater doesn't even turn on until the temperature is below it's setting.

I will upload some pics of the canopy this evening when I get done with classes for the day.
--Holy

**Holyvision** · 08-25-2008, 08:29 PM

Here are some images, I hope they help.

Back of tank, under canopy looking into tank

Image of lighting retrofit under canopy (Note the lunar lights that are hard to see)

Zoomed in on one side of the underside of the canopy (the canopy is symmetrical)

The cabinet (not that it matters), contains canister filter and chemicals.

--Holy

**Dave66** · 08-25-2008, 08:40 PM

If finances aren't an issue there are photoelectric chillers for a tank your size. You can see one here. It'll drop tank temps 10 degrees below ambient no problem. You'll need a temperature controller in addition to the chiller.

Dave