Question: Lowering tank temp

[MommaK]

I have a 20L gal. tank that's sits at ~73 on its own what would work best with a full tank just to lower it 8-9 degrees. Water flow is something I'm fairly concerned about since I've already adjusted the filter and put stuff in the way to block current... fans? Any recommendations? Getting frustrated at this point.

 

[AmandaB]

I have a 20L gal. tank that's sits at ~73 on its own what would work best with a full tank just to lower it 8-9 degrees. Water flow is something I'm fairly concerned about since I've already adjusted the filter and put stuff in the way to block current... fans? Any recommendations? Getting frustrated at this point.

You have a few, fairly inexpensive options to choose from. You could use fans (just don't have too many blowing at once. Then you'll just be blowing around hot air), if you have a window, cover it with something dark to trap to cool and block the sun, frozen plastic bottles work great for bringing it down a few degrees. My personal fave is the shield I made out of cardboard, duct tape(I am Canadian after all) and one of those sun shields you get for your car. I measured my tank and stuck the visor to the cardboard and wrapped it around my tank. I found it really helped since we've have a hot and humid summer here!

Hope this helps!



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[Caesar]

I would also use the computer fans (taped to the side of the tank). They work great for my 10gal tank and lower the temperature by almost 10 degrees. (of course yours might be halved because your tank size is 2x as big).
Also, I am not sure if insulating the tank with styrofoam helps because I did that the same time I blacked out my window with a bed sheet. (2 independent variables). But It doesn't hurt to try!
A constant house temp of 73 shouldn't be that hard to get to 68! Good luck

You can also try a bubbler to increase evaporation. Although, that is probably a more expensive/unnecessary option.

 

[pittbulldogva]

I would suggest a small chiller. We just got an Ax and put him in a 75 gallon in the fish room. I have an 1100 gallon pond with Cichlids in it. The pond needs to stay around 78. Rather than try to heat the pond, I closed off the AC vents and run a dehumidifier that heats the room up fairly quickly. Even with a fan on the Ax tank, I frequently found it creeping around 73. I got a 1/4 hp chiller super cheap and hooked it up. It was a great decision. I don't have to worry about it any more. They may several micro reef chillers that should work for you. Good luck.

 

[Holly12]

I would suggest a small chiller. We just got an Ax and put him in a 75 gallon in the fish room. I have an 1100 gallon pond with Cichlids in it. The pond needs to stay around 78. Rather than try to heat the pond, I closed off the AC vents and run a dehumidifier that heats the room up fairly quickly. Even with a fan on the Ax tank, I frequently found it creeping around 73. I got a 1/4 hp chiller super cheap and hooked it up. It was a great decision. I don't have to worry about it any more. They may several micro reef chillers that should work for you. Good luck.

Define super cheap, and where did you get it? I need one as well.

 

[pittbulldogva]

I guess super cheap is a relative term. I got a Deep Blue 1/4-HP Kryos for $200 from a guy on Craigslist getting out of the hobby. Which for that chiller is a steal of a deal. Deals like that on smaller units are out there.

 

[Holly12]

Sweet beans!! I'll keep an eye out!