Brett’s Reef

  Well its here, summer that is.  The temperature was in the 90’s today and the humidity was just as high (in Pa that is ), needless to say its hot and we need to keep our saltwater reef tanks cool.  Here are a few quick suggestions on doing so.

1. Buy or make a chiller.  This is the best and the most expensive way to keep your reef tank cool this summer.  If you have the money or have the technical knowledge to make one then this is the way to go. 

2. The fan trick.  A simple clip fan or a standard standing fan can be highly efficient at reducing the temperature in your saltwater aquarium when it is aimed at the top of your tank or your sump.  You could also rigg up a couple of computer fans in a wooden box or some type of other holder for them and let them blow on the water line.  Your water will evaporate faster when using this method so keep up with your top offs.

3.  Frozen water in a bottle.  Take some of those thin plastic water bottles and put them to use!  Fill them up with Ro/Di water and throw them in the freezer.  When your tank gets hot take a couple out and place them in the sump, where they will get a lot of flow and wont interrupt any pumps.   I have seen this trick done on a 120gallon using a big frozen 1gallon milk jug.  Make sure you use Ro/Di water in-case a bottle decides to crack.

4.  Air conditioning unit. OK really a no brainer but you never know.  If your tank is in a small room and you want to spend a bit more on electricity this summer then keep the Ac on all day.  Personally I prefer the fan method but Ac units can be reef tank savers during long hot stretches.

5. Ro/Di Ice cubes.  Instead of topping off your tank with regular Ro/Di water, freeze the water into cubes and place them into the tank that way.  Not very practical for bigger tanks but works well with mid to small sized reef tanks.

 If any one else has any suggestions or comments on keeping your reef tank cool this summer please post a comment below.  Your email will not be shared or displayed.