Temperature Control....gotta loose some heat

jgoldsney · #1 04-12-2006, 07:47 PM

Hoping not to have to go the chiller route....the fan seemed to do the trick now all I have to do is wait till summer.

Funky_Fish14 · #2 04-12-2006, 07:53 PM

I have dual 400W halides, and have an enclose canopy. I also have glass covering my tank. Two 12V fans running while the lights are on prevent them from raising the tank's temp even a degree. I would consider trying this if you can. I think the enclose canopy and only fan openings allows more efficient air circulation for providing fresh/cool air and getting the heat out.

Chris

Edit: I also have no sump, I have a 100gph flow 23g refugium above the tank(sitting directly over the lights too) that needs to be heated during the day sometimes to maintain a proper temperature.

TheReefGeek · #3 04-12-2006, 09:17 PM

Definately install some fans right into your hood. You can do a few configurations, like one blowing in, on blowing out, or 1 or two blowing across to a vent in the other side.

untamed · #4 04-13-2006, 12:10 AM

Heat from the lights is going to heat the surrounding air, but not the water so much directly. Blowing fans at the lights will distribute this heat into the airspace surrounding the tank, but I don't think it will be too effective at actually cooling the tank. Eventually, if all the air surrounding the tank/sump gets beyond the tank temperature, it will start to heat the tank, though.

...unless you've got a really closed-in light canopy that traps a bunch of hot air directly above the tank, then this effect could be greater.

I think the bigger effect is the energy of the light hitting the rocks heats up the rocks which then heats the water. If fans on the water surface won't do it you are going to be really pressed to avoid some sort of water chilling.

andestang · #5 04-13-2006, 03:36 AM

I run a couple of 400w(and a couple of VHO antics) with a couple of hood fans and my canopy is fairly open (no glass on top of tank) and I still struggled with temp increase, 2- 3 deg by end of day, so ended up putting a small house fan over my sump - all set up with timers. Seems to be doing the job so far.

G1GY · #6 04-13-2006, 04:07 AM

My tank temp was going up by 4 degrees during the day. I put a small computer fan (3 watt) blowing between the light and the water and don't see any increase at all now. I don't have a glass top on my tank, so I see a fair amount of evaporation.

Evaporation = free cooling!

Invigor · #7 04-13-2006, 04:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G1GY

Evaporation = free cooling!

I'll second that!

Bartman · #8 04-13-2006, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by G1GY

My tank temp was going up by 4 degrees during the day. I put a small computer fan (3 watt) blowing between the light and the water and don't see any increase at all now. I don't have a glass top on my tank, so I see a fair amount of evaporation.

Evaporation = free cooling!

How did you power the computer fan?