Pumps heating tank?

[SkinnyPete]

So, something is very wrong. My house ranges from 68-70 degrees. My tank has been pretty stable at 72-73 for weeks since I lowered the temperature for seahorses. All of a sudden things are going flaky. Over the past week, the temperature has slowly climbed to 77. It is still 68-70 in my house and the heater is unplugged. I've got 2 maxijets for flow and a MAG 9.5 as a return. Could something wrong with one of these pumps shoot temps up 4 degrees in a matter of a few days? I've read about Mags getting hot but 4 degrees?

Are there any pump alternatives to the Mag (the chief suspect right now) that throw less heat. 77 is going to be a problem and I really need to get it down.

- Skins

 

[roka64]

You are probably correct on the Mag. Micah uses one to premix his water and says the pump heats up the water, so that he doesn't have to use a heater. Can you get a fan and blow it across the top of the tank. I had problems getting my 125G below 82. I used a floor fan, set on the timer with the lights, now it stays stead at 78-79 degrees.

 

[SkinnyPete]

Well, I could, but the issue is that it stayed at 72 for weeks, so I really don't think it's necessary. We have central air so the house itself stays pretty steady. I think if I replace the Mag with a pump that throws less heat, I might be okay. In fact, I had to crank down the 9.5 because it was just to strong - so, I don't even need that much return.

I'm so stupid....I just remembered that I use a Quietone pump to mix salt in my basement - I could probably swap them out if the QuietOne has the right flow (I don't remember which one I have). Does anyone have experience with QuietOne pumps and heat issues?

 

[roka64]

That sounds like a possible solution, although, I can't give any advice on that brand.

 

[tecwzrd]

What sized tank is this for? I mix my SW in a 30 gal can and with the 9.5 pump submerged and the heat from the pump does kick it up steady around 78-79 degrees. Mag pumps can be plumbed externally also which drastically reduces the temp rise IME. Switching pumps might help depending on how hot your other pump gets.

 

[melosu58]

A clip on fan will do wonders for your tank also if you dont take care of the pump problem.

 

[SkinnyPete]

It's a 110 tank with about 30-40gallons in the sump/fuge. It hit 77 for the first time this morning, which is way too high for where I want it. I'm going to unplug the return pump for a while tonight and see how the tank temperature reacts. I guess it is possible that it's my maxijets too. I really want to avoid the fans if possible only because I really think it is. I'm just baffled how all of a sudden....no equipment has changed and it's up 4 degrees. It's just strange.

Haha, funny if my thermometer was bad

 

[MT79]

no equipment has changed and it's up 4 degrees. It's just strange.

Have you cleaned ALL your pumps lately? Being dirty will cause them to put out more heat than usual, combining for a noticable increase overtime.