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	The Heat is on
fishymama Hobbyist Posts: 124 Kudos: 102 Votes: 4 Registered: 27-Mar-2005	I have trouble keeping the temperature down in my tank. Living in a warm climate and a warm apartment I struggle to stay below 28 degrees C (I think that's about 82F) and on hot days it has crept up to 30. My fish don't seem to mind but I think my plants are having a problem with it. Does anyone have any tips on cooling down a tank? I've tried placing frozen water bottles in the water which only works in the short term and difficult to maintain whilst at work. Any advice gratefully received.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:53
dthurs Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 4340 Kudos: 4170 Votes: 529 Registered: 18-Feb-2003	A fan blowing over the surface will cause more evaporation and cool the water a bit. Another option is to buy a chiller, but those are a bit pricy. Dan Dan
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:53
stallion81 Big Fish Posts: 327 Kudos: 255 Votes: 143 Registered: 17-Jan-2004	Well when it gets to be summer here, I have to use A/C. I'm in the Chicago area and its been 80ish last couple days and my tanks(upstairs) started climbing on me also. Fans and open windows help alittle, but not if air temp is over tank temp. Just set the A/C at around 76-78 and it should not kill your elec bill. Otherwise basement tanks do fine(alot cooler underground). Just remember heat rises.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:53
fishymama Hobbyist Posts: 124 Kudos: 102 Votes: 4 Registered: 27-Mar-2005	Unfortunately I don't have AC. Also I'm not too keen about leaving windows open with no one in the house. When I'm home I'll have doors and windows open to let the breeze in but that doesn't seem to help too much. I do close the blinds so the sun doesn't stream through onto the tank while I'm out. Any other suggestions out there?
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:53
ACIDRAIN Moderator Posts: 3162 Kudos: 1381 Votes: 416 Registered: 14-Jan-2002	You might try keeping fish and plants that come from high temp environments. They may be hard to come by, but there are plants out there that like the warmer water. And there are plenty of fish that like it as well. Try some Amazon fish and plants. Most of them can tollerate the higher temps quite well, while others appreciate it. HTH.... _____________________________________________________________ There is always a bigger fish...
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:53
stallion81 Big Fish Posts: 327 Kudos: 255 Votes: 143 Registered: 17-Jan-2004	Well I really dont know how hot it can get in OZ, but I'm guessin pretty high. If you have your tanks in 1 room only, look into a window AC unit. Can find used and new for under $100US. Just put some type of lock on window after the AC unit is in. I believe I purchased a brand new window AC for about $80 US last year and is more than enough for 500 square feet. If no doors to other rooms you could hang "sheets or blankets" from open doorways too keep only 1 room cool. Otherwise Acids suggestion might be your only option as mother nature is hard too beat.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:53
fishymama Hobbyist Posts: 124 Kudos: 102 Votes: 4 Registered: 27-Mar-2005	That's a good option - if you can't beat them ... join 'em! Plantwise, can you recommend anything specific that can tolerate the heat ... which is also quite accessible?
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:53
Callatya Moderator The girl's got crabs! Posts: 9662 Kudos: 5261 Registered: 16-Sep-2001	Java ferns are pretty good Hornwort, wisteria, blue stricta? Have you thought about replacing your tank lids with a flyscreen to allow for evaporative cooling? Also, turn the lights OFF during the day and on in the eveing, so the lights aren't contributing to the overheating. Pop them on a timer For animals, the entire universe has been neatly divided into things to (a) mate with, (b) eat, (c) run away from, and (d) rocks. - Terry Pratchett
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:53
fishymama Hobbyist Posts: 124 Kudos: 102 Votes: 4 Registered: 27-Mar-2005	thanks Callatya My tanks is an Aqua One with the lights and filter built into the hood. My problem is in addition to the weather my flat is quite warm as it's on the top floor. I have my light coming on about 4pm until midnight. I was hoping this was a common problem with an easy answer - I guess not. Thanks for the plants advice - I'll give them a go! Thanks
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:53


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