Keeping a tank cool in hot weather

[zpacam]

I have two goldfish in a 10 gallon tank and I wanted to know how to keep the temperature reasonably cool. The thermometer fluctuates between 80-85 degrees. I am unable to move the tank to a cooler room but I try to keep the blinds closed in the afternoon. What can I do? Is this unhealthy for my gold fish? Thanks.

 

[mhaynes01]

uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh i am no tsure whagt u could do except move it to a cooler room or get a window unit. but iknow u probaly dont want that

 

[lmw80]

I have heard of people floating a bag of ice in the water. I have never hada need to try this myself, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. A couple of cubes melting over time, I would think would be just fine.

 

[flipz]

I asked this same question last week. People suggested floating a bag of ice, or putting a fan to blow on the surface water. It increases evaporation (which can be bad) but it causes the water to cool.

I can't do the fan because both of my fish are jumpers so I have a tight cover. And I never had a chance to try the ice cubes because we had a major cold front come through for the past week. Temps are supposed to rise again this week so we'll see!

-brent

 

[Menagerie]

zpacam, two goldfish in a 10 gal are cramped---most people recommend 10-20 gals per goldie.
Goldies are not tropical fish and would like lower temps. With a 5 degree temp swing, your fish are stressed. Try a fan and a bag of ice so there is not a cold spot in the tank and the water circulates. What type of filter are you using on the tank?

 

[zpacam]

Ok, the temps outside got to around 95 degrees and the water temp rose to about 85 degrees. I tried the fan idea and got the temps down to 75 degrees after about 3 hours at the lowest speed. So the fan worked very well!!! I also tried the ice cube idea but it really made no difference at all. I think the only way ice would make a difference is if you had a lot of it! (I used one ice cube tray)

Menagerie, I use an eclipse filter. My fish are about 1 inch long each.

Everyone - Thanks for all your help!

 

[Menagerie]

My fish are about 1 inch long each.

So far, so good Just be ready to upgrade when necessary!

Between that filter and a fan, I won't recommend you move to Calgary

 

[jaysono]

How bout getting a small water bottle and save the cap. Fill with water with at least 1 inch to spare from the top and seal. Place in freezer. You can then float these or rotate out (more bottle needed of course) as needed and then re-freeze. No bag wasting as you can use these self contained ice bottle over and over.

 

[flipz]

that's a good idea jaysono. and actually what i would recommend to that is if you filled the bottom of the bottle first w/ heavy rocks (or something of the sort), and then filled with water and froze, it might be enough to sink the bottle. in a 10 gallon tank reaching to the bottom is easy. having the bottle frozen at the bottom of the tank might disperse the cold temperature a lot better, rather than just sitting on top.

-brent