How can I keep my aquarium cool in the summer?

Question

I have a 30 gallon aquarium with a Bio-Wheel type filter rated for 50 g. I live on the fourth floor in my apartment building and the aquarium sits on the floor. I take care of a large Orange Orada and a large Black Moor. I want to reduce my electric consumption so I am trying to avoid running the air conditioner as much as possible. The problem is that when outside temps are in the 80's and 90's (I live in Minneapolis, MN) the room temp. although lower than the outside temp is still high. I have 2 of those sticker type thermometers on the tank and I have seen the temp range from 70-84 degrees. I would like the tank to be in the low to mid 70's. Any ideas on how I can keep the temp down on these hot summer days??? I keep the hood light off all day and at this time I have a small fan blowing across the water surface to cool by evaporation. My only other idea is to get some of those reusable ice packs, put them in a ziplock bag and float 1 or 2 in the water. Thank You!!!!!!

Answer 1

You can try using ziplocks of ice to cool the tank, but that usually results in a roller coaster ride of temperature which can be worse on the fish than the temperature being a bit too high.

84F is not too hot for the fish for a short term like that usually. Unless you are seeing signs of major distress, I would say not to worry and just allow the tank temperature to move naturally. I realise mid 70's is often given as the prefered range of temperautre for your fish, but mid 80's won't hurt them either.

MM

Answer 2

I used to concern a lot about the temperature also, but later on found out that it's not necessary because my fish can tolerate a wide range of temperature.

A chiller would be ideal but is very expensive. Chillers are generally used in salt water tanks where warm water can be fatal to the inhabitants.

Like you said, you can try in an effort to keep the temperature down is place a fan in front of the aquarium and let it blow air directly on to it.

Another method is to put a bag of ice cubes in the water but this could get a little tricky as the water temperature would start to drop rather quickly and then as the ice melts would then rise somewhat quickly possibly inducing temperature change shock to the fish. I would only advise using this method during a heat wave and only if you were not going out as the temperature would have to be monitored frequently.

I would say not to worry too much about something that we have no control over, the temperature. The best thing that you can do in these summer months are more frequent partial water changes and closely monitor the water parameters.

Answer 3

Aquarium hoods help keep the temperature more consistent, but they also keep it warmer. In a room heated to the same temperature, the difference between a tank with a hood vs. a tank with a screen is usually a minimum of 2 degrees, often more. By losing the hood, you can also lose extra degrees - and trust me, the difference between 82 and 86 is the difference between "safe" and "dangerous."

However, going without a hood poses the problem of fish jumping. My solution? Buy a few sheets of plastic mesh (the kind used for needlepoint) and cut yourself a custom "screen" lid. It won't be attractive, but it will keep the temperature down.

Permit consistent, safe highs. 82 degrees is ok so long as it is consistent. If you try dropping the temp down to 70 with every water change with the hope that it will stay cooler, longer, you are going to stress your fish almost as much as a temperature spike. Sometimes, something as simple as small partial water changes daily with cool water can maintain the safe high without stressing out your fish.

If there is no realistic way to maintain the safe high with small water changes and careful temperature monitoring, you may be able to use the same methods we use when acclimating fish to keep tanks cool. If you take dechlorinated water and make ice cubes, you can float a bag of "safe" ice (lest the bag leak) in the tank all day, replenishing as needed, to keep the temperature down. Usually after a day or so, you are able to figure out about how many cubes it takes to keep your tank consistently cooled.

There are a lot of other tips on keeping your betta healthy in the summer including nutrition tips; check the source.

Answer 4

Try draping a dark towel over the tank during the hotter part of the day?

Most tropical fish can stand warmer waters, though. My tank runs 78-82 usually but right now is up to 84 with no apparent adverse effects on the fish.

A big temperature drop is something you want to avoid no matter what.

Answer 5

try using a freezer pac , one you would use in a cooler or lunch can.