How to cool a hot tank?

My heater is set to 78 (and of course, not turning on) since the tank is running about 85!!

I'm guessing the added pump (which sits inside the sump versus the Iwaki which is outside) of the skimmer along with some more lights (270 W now versus 180 W before; but the temp is higher all day even before the lights turn on) along with the current heat wave (room temp is about 75) are all factors. Before the switchover to s/w (before the skimmer, extra lights, and also, this current heat wave), the heater would sometimes turn on to keep the tank at 80.

So, some ideas I've read and will try:
-fan pointed at water inside sump (too inconvenient to have a fan shooting air at the water in the tank due to the set-up)
-frozen closed water bottles (I'll try them in sump first)


Note: The BACK of the tank gets "somewhat" direct sunlight in the morning hours from a window directly behind the tank. That's about it.

Any other possible ideas?
Thanks.
Richard.

Thanks Brian!


Yes, it's the 400 gallon.
It's an acrylic tank (Tenecor) which has the standard 3 square large openings (which I have acrlyic sheets covering them) and all of my lights sit on top. Then, there is the large (3 section) white acrylic canopy that covers the top (for looks only). And, the little slots along the back which I also have acylic sheets covering with velcro to hold them secure (I used to have a fire eel and he was an escape artist so I had to seal every opening; not airtight, just eel proof ).


Unfortunately, no shades on the windows on the backside of the house. I just had new windows installed and decided not to put shades or blinds on the backside. Woods and fence are my privacy. But, if this matters; the back of the tank is ocean blue acrylic. Sunlight does not come thru very well; although you can see a shadow if someone walks behind the tank in the morning.

Each section of the canopy has a large circular hole cut in the top to allow heat to escape. I guess I could "also" add fans there to "pull" hot air out. But, the temp stays warm without the lights, I don't know why.

Heater is a 1000 W ProHeat Digital Titanium. Glass tube heater and sticker (I know, not the most reliable) all confirm the same temps. Glass tube and heater probe are in the sump, sticker is on the canister. But, just to sure, I'll check with another therm. as well.

I'll try the fan idea tonight and see if that helps and keep the frozen waters bottles as emergency plans too.

Thanks again.

Richard.

Thanks for the suggestions, guys!

Unfortunately, nothing really helped very much.

So, I have a big wall-unit A.C. behind the tank and I pointed one of the vents right at the tank (inbetween the canopy and the tank). It has brought the temp down to 78-81.
BUT, the damn den is now freezing.

Damn fish.


I also realized that my prior f/w set-up (with the stingrays):
the tank was always cooler because I had a constant cold-water (tapwater) line being dripped into the sump (50 gpd) as part of the constant water changer system. So, the additional lights and the protein skimmer is probably not the reason why the tank is warmer. It was probably always running warmer and I just didn't realize it.

Thanks JSG,

I've read about this idea (King Vinnie's board) as well as thought of similar ideas.

The problem comes down to space. 2/3's of the cabinet is full of the filtration. The right 1/3 could be used, but the opening is the problem.

Having the fridge outside of the cabinet is not good since the tank and cabinet take up an entire wall in my den and I don't want a small frig. sitting on the floor next to it.

Here's a shot of the tank in my den (when it was first set-up with the f/w rays and dragons in it) to get an idea of the space I have left:

Tank

Unfortunately, the backyard.

But, keep the ideas coming, bud..

I shut off the a.c. last night and the tank was 79. This morning it was 86!

Turned the a.c. back on but, the damn den is an iceberg.


I looked up chillers. But, damn: a unit for a 400 gallon is in the $1,000 price range. Way too much!