Question: Tank cooling in hot climates?

[MochiGuu]

Hi,

so after 3 years I finally found an axolotl breeder. Got myself a tank and told him to reserve 4 animals for me. Now I filled the tank and I expected the water to be some 25 degrees Celsius which is already warm, but it comes out of the tap 30. Obviously that's a problem. Mind you, I don't yet have the axolotls. I want to prepare the tank completely first, and I also want them to grow a bit more before I take them as I have no access to frozen food or artemia in my town so they need to be fish-eating size.
Now I just ordered 2 units of this for a 43 gallon tank:
Aquarium Cooling Fan Coldwind 4 Fan 51 5CFM 100 240V for Chiller Marine Fresh | eBay

Is that enough? This is a hot and moist town in a ridiculously hot country with a stable 26 to 32 degrees throughout the 8 months of summer. My AC is dead. Which reminds me, I will so get an AC in my next apartment, so that's one less worry. Basically all problems should be solved in another 4 months. But not now.

Also, I know 43 is a bit small, but I'm not putting a huge tank in this apartment as I'm gonna move in November, and then, I will get something bigger. Now the axolotls I've reserved are 6cm and 43 gallons are juuust fine I think
I got a normal submersible filter with a spray tube, i.e. it has a tube with 4 holes in it that could sprinkle the surface. I heard that cools too, but the filter itself heats??

Any advice would be appreciated

 

[Quentari]

Well as a start 10gal = 1 adult, so 43 for 4 adults would be fine (obviously bigger is better, but it's bigger than the minimum!)

Second, are you planning on feeding them feeder fish? (eg guppies) because I've had axies that were TERRIBLE at hunting. Something like pellets or earthworms might be better

And lastly the cooling fans: Most people have had success with fans, although sometimes they only drop the temp by a few degrees. You might need to eventually invest in a chiller

Oh and the filter. Often submersible filters will increase the temp by a degree or two. Since you're already combating the heat I'd suggest a hang-on filter (the kind that sits at the back like a waterfall) or a sponge filter.
In my experience the hang-ons are loud (constant running water) and I've had about 4 break on me in the last 12 months. Sponges are good, but not QUITE as effective as other kinds. They give nice fluffy gills though! I personally use a submersed filter with a POWERFUL output, )massive rock in front of it to stop the flow!) along with a sponge filter. Haven't had a problem with the water since + nice fluffy gills!

 

[MochiGuu]

Wow I've never heard of those hang-ons before, they look like an awesome system! Also space-saving... I wanted an external filter but I only remember those huge buckets by Eheim that are both ugly and a pain to maintain. Though what model would you suggest, since the cooling fans will already take considerable space along the edges? Thanks so much, you pointed me to some awesome solutions

 

[Quentari]

ugh I don't even remember what brand I have... I do remember that I spent $70 on the fancy "good" one at the pet store and it broke a week later, but my $30 "cheap" one is still going strong. I have no idea what brands would be accessible to you though. Just remember that the hang-on filter will have a considerable bulk on the outside of the tank, so don't put your tank flush against a wall!

Glad to help!!

 

[MochiGuu]

Hmm... Now I have a dilemma. The 40+ gallon ones are huge and I don't know if they'll fit, whereas the smaller ones also have less capacity. What would happen if I were to put a 30 gallon filter on a 43 gallon tank?

 

[Mama Mia]

Hello,
Just wanted to let you know the names of a couple of the HOBs (hang on back) filters that I have used, right now I have a Marineland that I have had going for a year it runs around $35.00 US for up to a 76 gallon, and the other is a Hagen they run alittle higher, but I like them they run around $55.00 US for up to a 70 gallon,
I hope this helps, also you have a large choice when it comes to the filter media also,
Good Luck

 

[Quentari]

Hmm... Now I have a dilemma. The 40+ gallon ones are huge and I don't know if they'll fit, whereas the smaller ones also have less capacity. What would happen if I were to put a 30 gallon filter on a 43 gallon tank?

If I were you I'd get two smaller sized filters, one up each end.