Does everyone use a Chiller?

[lion-clown]

Okay so I started a new tank with LEDs and the sump light is an LED and I have 2 desks fans but the temp still gets up to 81. I thought that I would not need a chiller because I had the LEDs and live in WA but now I am wondering if everyone uses chillers or what they do?

 

[tike]

I haven't used a chiller in years but my house stays relatively cool in the summer, I just unplug my heater. On serious hot spells we have an AC unit so it keeps it down also. What return pump are you using? Some of the mag pumps put out a bit of heat.

 

[lion-clown]

I don't have AC and I use 2 PETCO pumps. My tank is a 40B with a 40B for a sump.

 

[mfinn]

Assuming your heater isn't on, I'd look at the pumps that are in the water.
Do you have a full canopy?

 

[lion-clown]

The pumps in the water are the 2 PETCO return pumps, Jebao WP 25 pump, and the SCA 302 Protein skimmer.

It is a full canopy but even if I leave it open on the warm days it was going over 81.

 

[mfinn]

I would look into ways to add vent holes and fans for the canopy. Maybe open the back of it.
I was able to drop the temp in my 180 with the use of a clamp-on fan pointed across the waters surface from the back side and a clamp-on fan pointed at the waters surface in the sump.
Maybe it's time to use external pumps?

 

[itche_scratche]

I'm using chiller, but because I'm running Mh.

 

[lion-clown]

Here is some pics of the tank.

 

[lion-clown]

Just to see what I have going on right now

 

[mfinn]

Just to see what I have going on right now

View attachment 45224
View attachment 45225
View attachment 45226

Looks like in the first picture, there is a lid over the tank?

 

[lion-clown]

There is a sheet of plexi-glass over the tank because I want to have a wrasse eventually. Do I need to drill holes in it?

 

[mfinn]

There is a sheet of plexi-glass over the tank because I want to have a wrasse eventually. Do I need to drill holes in it?

That's probably where 1-2 degrees of heat are coming from

I'd remove it.


Your best use of the fan would be blowing across the water. Cooling via evaporation is effective.
Just need to keep up on topoff with freshwater.

 

[lion-clown]

I have an auto top off so I will try and remove it, but I might have to go with a chiller just because I don't think it will be enough once it gets really hot outside.

 

[mfinn]

I have an auto top off so I will try and remove it, but I might have to go with a chiller just because I don't think it will be enough once it gets really hot outside.

Chances are you won't have to.

No mh to make heat, good placement of fans,,, you should be ok.

 

[Gryphon]

An alternative to the plexiglass cover would be to make nylon screen covers. BRS sells a kit with 1/4" clear plastic netting which will allow air flow, but doesn't let fish jump out.

 

[mfinn]

With a canopy like that you would only need something to block the back side.
Like eggcrate

 

[lion-clown]

Okay sounds good I will try it. I will have to go to BRS and check it out. Thanks for all the help, I was kind of getting upset with all the effort to keep it low temp but still having the problem.

 

[1guydude]

U can go to the local hardware store like lowes or home depot.
U can make ur lid. Get frame for a screen door. Also some bird netting from the outside section.
The spline tool and black spline stuff are by the screen door stuff.
Just nees to cut ur frame to size.
Hths
-d

 

[lion-clown]

Would egg crate work just as well? I would like to be able to have a door that I can feed from instead of pulling the whole screen off each time.

 

[mfinn]

I'm interested in seeing what the temp settles out to be with that acrylic top taken off.

If the temp drops, and it should, then all you would need to do is to make a screen for the back side of the canopy.
But it sounds like you don't have any jumpers right now.