Is a chiller necessary?

[cplawrence]

I am in the planning stages for a 29 gal and I am trying to determine what will be needed; hence the question. Last summer, my FW 29 gal got to about 85 or 86 during the hottest days. With that being the case, is a chiller necessary?
Thanks,
Chris

 

[AndyH5512]

I am looking into the same thing. From what I have heard, you should try a fan first, and see what it can do. The drawback is that you will get more evaporation. In a 29 gallon, you would want to stay on top of water top offs, as the evaporation will change your SG quickly. But, a fan can be a cheaper alternative to a chiller. 85 to 86 is too hot though. Do you have your tank placed near a window?

 

[cplawrence]

No it is not. Were you thinking that the window would provide for more air flow?

 

[seve1]

I think they were inquiring if the tank received natural window light which can drive the temps up in your tank.

 

[greenmaji]

how about a window AC unit.. cheaper and you can get cooled at the same time..

 

[AndyH5512]

Yes, I was inquiring because sunlight will raise your temp and cause algae problems.

 

[tecwzrd]

how about a window AC unit.. cheaper and you can get cooled at the same time..

Best advice IMO. Most chillers run from $200-$1000 and you can get a window AC unit for as little as $150 from Home Depot or Lowes

Considering that you only need to chill a 29 gal you could probably get by using a “CoolWorks IceProbe” which still costs around $112.00 and that’s assuming you use a sump.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produ...4RS&ref=3312&subref=AA&GCID=C12188x003&ctt=60

Personally I’d rather also enjoy the cool temps for only $40 more using an AC unit

(Our house stays at 67-68 year round and I have two 200w heaters in my tank to keep it at 78-80)

Also plan on your tank needing to re-cycle again (4 to 6 weeks) from changing from FW to SW if you still plan on using the HOB along with LR before adding fish.
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/showquestion.php?faq=2&fldAuto=15

 

[seaham358]

Go with the window AC, I use a 5000 BTU too cool my 125 and it keeps it at 84 and under. I also run some other ACs for the rest of the house on real hot days. I also leave the tank doors open and the canopy cracked on real hot days. Fans also work.

 

[flamingonhot]

i would go with the ac thing, a lot of people ask if they need a chiler. Why would you want to pay 500 dollars or a litle less to cool your tank by 5 degrees? is my question.

Only get a chiller if its abig tank with a lot of ivestment and you have them money or you have a fish that is strictly coldwater.

 

[melosu58]

The fan in your canopy was a good idea.

 

[greenmaji]

with bigger tanks or multiple tanks the humidity can be real taxing on your air
conditioning.. window or central air.. with a really big tank or alot of tanks I would also
suggest getting a decent sized dehumidifyer to bust your AC's effectiveness.. HTH