Fans are underestimated

[JoshBA]

This is probably pretty redundent, but I just wanted to share a super easy fix to high temperatures.

Stick the largest fan that will fit over your tank, and turn it on its highest setting. That's it. I recently stuck a desk fan over my 10 gallon, with eggcrate laying across the top for support. The air temperature is currently at 76F, while the tank is down to 66F.

Only maintenance will be topping off evaporated water (the more you have to replace on a daily basis, the better your tank is being cooled).

I know many of you have larger tanks, so I'd recommend moving your animal to a smaller water volume when heat becomes an issue, as I'm assuming fans would be more effective in this case. I also have nothing to say about the effectiveness of computer fans.

Feel free to point out any problems with this post, and good luck to those trying to beat the summer heat!

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[Bellabelloo]

Fan's are great fore reducing the temperature. I went one step further one year and insulated the outside of the tanks....not a pretty look, but it was a hot summer.
With regards to the evaporation, do still remember to continue as normal with your regular water changes/ spot cleans .

 

[LippyNix]

I had heard of using a fan, but also that they are not great at cooling. I guess now I'm going to try to get one hooked up! I also plan to do the insulation thing, at least on the back and side closest to the window. My tank just will not get below 72, and I know they want it cooler.
On a side note, Josh, what kind of plant is that you have hanging over the side? I have a very tall tank that I've reduced the water level in, and I want a plant that can grow above the water like that to kind of take up the ugly empty space. I just don't know enough about plants to pick one that is suitable.

 

[JoshBA]

I had heard of using a fan, but also that they are not great at cooling. I guess now I'm going to try to get one hooked up! I also plan to do the insulation thing, at least on the back and side closest to the window. My tank just will not get below 72, and I know they want it cooler.
On a side note, Josh, what kind of plant is that you have hanging over the side? I have a very tall tank that I've reduced the water level in, and I want a plant that can grow above the water like that to kind of take up the ugly empty space. I just don't know enough about plants to pick one that is suitable.

Give it a try, it works surprisingly well. However, I think the effectiveness of fans depends on the humidity levels. Where I am it's pretty dry, so it works well.

I have a bunch of common houseplants stuffed into a HOB filter. They include wandering jew, pothos, Arrowhead, and the aluminum plant. All of these do remarkably well with just their roots in the water. The wandering jew grows the fastest. You could probably raise the water level all the way up and suspend the plants through a large mesh material or eggcrate.

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[JoshBA]

Here's a better photo of the plants.

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