How to cool a hot tank?

Well, here is a thought I have put some time into. you said you have an AC, run a coil in the output of the ac unit, small pump pushing water......may be a decent option. Should be pretty simple to build.

Or, a small heater core, with a fan attached to it, that way you could keep in under the stand. <<< That may work surprisingly well.
 
JSG is on to something. Not sure how much you guys know about water-cooling computers, but it's basically what JSG said.

Find a radiator or heater core. If you don't want to mess with an auto parts store or junk yard or anything, check out some online water-cooling retailers like http://www.dangerden.com/mall/Radiators/radiators.asp

Attach fans to the radiator to speed up the cooling process. Regular DC computer fans will work well, get a 12V AC-DC wall brick from radioshack or wal-mart, slice off the connector on the end, and connect the wires from the fans to this to power them.

Now just throw a water pump in your sump, flowing water through the radiator which will cool it down to room temperature, and back into the sump. No evaporation, low noise, and it should only cost you $50-150 depending on parts.



Is this a new idea to the aquarium world, or has it been used before? I could write a much more detailed how-to if anyone wants.
 
Hey, I was reading what you had to say about the heater coil, I have to replace mine in my s-10. I priced them at Autozone, their $25 with a lifetime warrenty.
Hope that helps
 
Thanks for all of the follow-up suggestions, guys!

But, I bit the bullet and bought a chiller from Premium Aquatics (Pacific Imports 1/2 hp). It's doing a great job and keeping the tank between 77 and 81 regardless of how hot the room gets(the only downside is a 4 degree F spread, but that's okay).

An FYI for those thinking about a chiller: I originally put it behind the stand BUT, it can be a bit loud and it generates quite a bit of it's own heat. So, I moved it into the garage and ran the lines into there.
 
the radiator idea sounds good, but will the SW be compatible with it and not leach anything into the tank that will wipe out the system? If they make plastic radiators or other non-metal I would feel much safer with this than losing the livestock and your investment in this great "hobby"

Mark
 
Okay I read that whole thing, but maybe it's just me... did I read somewhere that Samson had taken the three acrylic tops off the tank? I realize the lights would have to be protected from the water, but evap. seems like that would have been the easiest and most affordable way to fix the heat problem.

But then you'd have to find a dehumidifier with a decent capacity.

Or perhaps I missed something. It has been a very long day...
 
Forget humidity issues, evaporation issues, looks issues (plus, those canopies are HEAVY), etc.

The main reason why I couldn't remove the acrylic tops = Moray Eel! ;)
 
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