Chilling out...

[dtiedke]

Well, the first warm day of the coming spring happened yesterday. The temperature reached 78 outside (10 degrees warmer than forcasted) and I was shocked at how high my tank temp reached. I noticed the temp about 4 hours before the end of the light period had reached 85 degrees!!

I turned off the lights, and opened the hood to start it cooling. It came back down to normal (80) and they are forcasting much cooler weather for the next week.

Since this tank was established in September of last year, this is the first test of how warm the ambient temp can be in my home before the tank is too warm. OK...so without having to run AC all the time, I think it is time to consider a chiller...but which kind? I do not have any room left under the tank, so the drop-in type might be a better option for space reasons.

Any advice on the two types, as well as specific brands would be appreciated. It doesn't get that warm here (rarely over 90), and I do have AC, but usually only run it when it gets above 85. My tank is a 135g, with about 60g addition in sump/refuge....

Thanks,

Dave

 

[Mogo]

Send some of that weather up here! My chiller is my open window. :lol:

 

[mountainbiker619]

http://reefs.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=28218

 

[reefNewbie]

another option is to get a good fan blowing across the sump. This really helps cool down my tank! much cheaper to.

 

[dtiedke]

another option is to get a good fan blowing across the sump. This really helps cool down my tank! much cheaper to.

No kidding!!! I really hate this hobby sometimes!!!

I mean, I bought two window AC units last summer that keeps my apartment (1,200 sq ft) like the north pole during the summer for less than $400. I can't seem to find a stinking 1/4hp chiller for less than $700!!! :evil:

I am trying your advice right now, and will watch the temps over the next few days. If the sump fans work, great....if not, then I guess I'll have to suck it up and drop the dough. I only hope the wife doesn't find out...she still thinks I am nuts to have dropped $500 on a EuroReef CS8-2!!!! 8O


Dave

 

[King Jason]

another option is to get a good fan blowing across the sump. This really helps cool down my tank! much cheaper to.

No kidding!!! I really hate this hobby sometimes!!!

I mean, I bought two window AC units last summer that keeps my apartment (1,200 sq ft) like the north pole during the summer for less than $400. I can't seem to find a stinking 1/4hp chiller for less than $700!!! :evil:

I am trying your advice right now, and will watch the temps over the next few days. If the sump fans work, great....if not, then I guess I'll have to suck it up and drop the dough. I only hope the wife doesn't find out...she still thinks I am nuts to have dropped $500 on a EuroReef CS8-2!!!! 8O


Dave

Down with capitalism! Up with communism...wait..that doesn't work...damn, guess we are stuck. I just shelled out $675 for a 1/4 JBJ chiller. I wish my tank came with a slide out bed so I could live in it. Then it might justify it's cost!

 

[dtiedke]

Now let's not get crazy...but...come on! Where is the cost justification on just about every over-priced item in this hobby?

BTW....the fan over the sump seems to be working. Went from 82 down to 78 (heater kicked on) in about 2 hours. Too fast I know, so I am now searching for a controller that will kick on the fans when the tank reaches a set temp. Any ideas? Needs to control 115v A/C fans.

Thanks,


Dave

 

[reef150]

Sounds like you need a Dual Temp controller. Has a High and Low setpoint, so that it will keep the temp in between a given range. Turns on the heater when the temp gets too low, and fires the fans when its too high.

Several of these exist.... Medusa makes one with a lot of bells and whistles such as over / under temp alarms, but you can also find them where you purchase chillers..... I've seen some homemade ones on EBay as well....

Mike

 

[easygoer2]

I'm with the King. I spent 640 for the 1/4 JBJ chiller. But I don't have to worry about the heat when the lights kick on now. I would recomend the JBJ. It's small. About the size of my puter. And super quiet. Mine came from the reefking on Ebay. He was cheaper then JBJ Lighting.
easygoer2