Water temp

[Tclark828]

I'm having some issues with the temp of my 90 gallon tall bow front. I had it professionally set up, and today noticed the heater was set to 83 degrees. I turned it down, and now off about a few hours ago, but the water has only dropped like 1 degree. Its still at 82 degrees, how long should it take for the temp to drop? Could the T5 lighting actually heat up that much water? IF the temp doesnt come down, what are my options? I have my live rock and live sand in there, and all of my water tests came out good today, so iwould like to get this resolved.

Thanks
Tom

 

[Phyl]

What is your return pump? You need to factor that heat source in along with the T5s. Do you have fans in the hood? Over the sump? Those are two good options as well as this will bring the temps down significantly. Your house temperature also will factor into the temp of the tank and the temps will be slow to drop if your temps are up around 75. No point in turning the heater OFF. You're going to want to prevent it from getting TOO low and as long as it is off it isn't going to be contributing to the temperature.

 

[Tclark828]

Oh ok...i just turned off the heater to make sure it wasnt still heating the water even when it was turned down. My house is kept pretty warm, so i guess its possible to take awhile for the water temp to drop. Are there any fans that you recommend? I dont think i have the room in my canopy, but should be able to put one over the sump.

 

[vangvace]

a 6" clip fan works great from Walmart or the dollar store.

 

[NJ_ychung1]

your lights and power heads for cirulation as well as powerhead for skimmer all have a contributing effect on temp of water as they all transfe heat into the water. you might have to find a low setting on that heater and add fans to increase cooling.

 

[Tclark828]

when you say a clip fan, are we talking about an electric fan? Ive had the heater off for 24 hours, and the coolest my water has been is 81 degrees.

 

[magic]

Like Phyl said previously place the fan so it blows across your sump. This will make a difference(about 3 degrees on my tank)and it's a cheap fix.

Bob

 

[tbone212371]

How long are you lights on for?

 

[jtravapd]

do you have a floor fan? my tank overheated in the summer one time and i put a "vornado" brand floor fan..(basically a strong box fan) on the floor and aimed it at the tank with the bottom doors of the stand all open...it really worked and brought the temp. down. i think if you can use a small fan off the top of the water it works too, but i guess its all what you have available in your house..

 

[mgonz]

A fan over the sump works great. The only thing is watch your evaporation. Adding the fan will increase evap. But will help in cooling water. Also what are you using to test water temp?