I recently set up a 120g aquarium in my 800sqft apartment to much disdain from my girlfriend. She now loves the tank, but hates having to open windows in January to keep our apt below 75F...apparently this creates an unacceptable temperature gradient in our living room with it being about 60-65F on the couch in order for the kitchen to stay around 72-73F. Our apt is very well insulated, and we typically only turn our heat on when outside temperatures are in the single digits (I guess our neighbors all around us keep their places warm). Previously our apt was about 68-70 throughout the winter months which we found very comfortable. Fortunately, adding a tank has only increased our electric bill by about $20/month, but I am wondering if I can reduce that by better containing the heat that is escaping the aquarium which we end up having to let out of the apt.
Some details on the system:
120g display, glass, back painted, 3 sides visible
55g sump, glass
total system ~150-160g
4x56W T5HO lighting, on for 7 hours/day
Custom made stand and canopy enclosed in 3/4" plywood. Each has 1 120cm fan, 1 120cm exhaust, and 2 1.5" diameter wire portals.
The front door on the stand and canopy hinged area are sealed with weather stripping to prevent light seeping out the small gaps.
All crevasses were caulked to avoid water ending up where it was not supposed to.
The fans are on a fan controller and set to the lowest rpm to provide circulation to avoid mold, but to keep evaporation and heat loss to a minimum.
2x200W heaters set to 76F
I am looking for some input as to what may have worked for you, or if you have any experience with any of my ideas to deal with this problem.
Ideas under consideration
1) Line stand, canopy, sump, and back of aquarium with foam.
2) Unplug either or both fans (canopy and stand)
3) Cover exhaust ports so less hot air escapes
Any suggestions?
Some details on the system:
120g display, glass, back painted, 3 sides visible
55g sump, glass
total system ~150-160g
4x56W T5HO lighting, on for 7 hours/day
Custom made stand and canopy enclosed in 3/4" plywood. Each has 1 120cm fan, 1 120cm exhaust, and 2 1.5" diameter wire portals.
The front door on the stand and canopy hinged area are sealed with weather stripping to prevent light seeping out the small gaps.
All crevasses were caulked to avoid water ending up where it was not supposed to.
The fans are on a fan controller and set to the lowest rpm to provide circulation to avoid mold, but to keep evaporation and heat loss to a minimum.
2x200W heaters set to 76F
I am looking for some input as to what may have worked for you, or if you have any experience with any of my ideas to deal with this problem.
Ideas under consideration
1) Line stand, canopy, sump, and back of aquarium with foam.
2) Unplug either or both fans (canopy and stand)
3) Cover exhaust ports so less hot air escapes
Any suggestions?
