Will my window air conditioner interefere with my fish tank's water temperature?

Question

I live in a really old apartment bldg. that does not have central air. the apt. units are long vs. box shaped and I have a corner unit. The only place I was able to set up my 28 gallon fish tank was in the small dining room against the wall which is near two opposite windows; one of which has a window air conditioner unit in it.

I could move the unit but I have a separate one in the living room b/c both are small air conditioners that cool each room only.

I'm worried that the window unit in the dining room will mess with the water temperature of the fish tank. Or won't it?

The living room has two walls that have 3 and 4 windows so I didn't set up the tank there. The bedroom has 3 windows as well so the dining room was the last resort as far as the best location for setting up the tank, which has finished cycling now.

So should I worry about the window unit that's two feet away from the tank? Any advice would be welcome.

Answer 1

My 10 and 29 gallon are3-5feet away from my ac unit, And the temp is fine. I would think as long as your tank heater is set at the temp your fish require, every thing should be fine, set your ac on low when you are not home, and on the lowest setting that is comfortable for you!

Answer 2

Yes.

At that proximity, the air conditioner will cool the tank. When you run the A/C monitor the tank's temp. If you only run the unit for a few hours a day on the hottest days, it should be fine.

I had the same problem. I finally used a cardboard shield when I ran the A/C unit. I cut and fit some cardboard that fit the tank end closest to the unit and put it up when I turned it on. Worked like a charm.

Answer 3

Corner Unit Fish Tanks

Answer 4

As long as the A/C unit doesn't blow directly on the tank it shouldn't cause too much problem. Typically people and store recommend heater for tanks based on 5 watts per gallon. In this case you may wish to increase your heating capacity to 7-10 watts per gallon to be sure the heaters can maintain a proper temperature.

MM

Answer 5

Just like magicman said, if it's blowing on it, then it'll interfere. You could also set your heater to a higher temperature to cancel out the cold-ness of the A/C.

~ZTM

Answer 6

do you have tropical fish, if so get a heater and you will be fine.