It's that time of the year - heat is back

[nos68]

Not sure how to best put this, but each summer I'm always puzzled as to why the tank water is so much higher than temp of the indoor air. In the winter, I know the heaters will keep it up, but in the summer, inside my room may be a comfortable temp, but the tank is 5+ degrees warmer.

Currently, I don't have hot lighting (no MH, just two 55 watt PCs), but I do have 4 pumps. All I can figure is the heat generated from the pumps, friction of water in the tubes, etc.

So, I've considered replacing pumps, maybe consolidating them, maybe moving internal pumps to outside. Would this make much of any difference?

For example, both my skimmer and sump return pump are inside the sump. By moving them outside the sump, would it decrease the temp any? Is there such a thing as a cooler operating pump?

Figured I'd ask and see what people say.

thanks,
Chris

[Casey]

I say yes its the pumps do you have fans blowing on the sump surface?

[nos68]

Yes, I've got two large fans blowing on the surface of the tank, then one smaller fan blowing on the surface of the refugium. I'm evaporating a good amount of water a day, but it's just not making much difference.

So, I could, in theory, either combine pumps, move them, etc. like I was saying, but don't know where the bang for the buck is. Any suggestions?

[Casey]

Well you could cut down on pumps and also move them outside the sump

there are some cooler running pumps but I dont know which brands they are ask around,maybe someone will chime in who has a cool running one.Im assuming a chiller is out of the ???

[nos68]

Call me crazy, but I actually have a chiller, but I'd prefer not to use it if I can find other solutions. It's so expensive to use (added about 50-75 bucks a month) so even if I had to replace a pump or two or change my sump around, it would pay for itself quickly.

But, if I don't make much of a difference, then I'll hook it back up and live with the cost.

Thanks,
Chris

[Casey]

humm wow never heard that before My chiller only adds about $25 a month humm I have a small chiller,maybe you could sell yours and get a smaller more energy efficient one.

[Ace's Reef]

i just bought a pacific coast chiller on recomendation and it works very well with about like casey said 25$ a month. 75$ sounds like alot is that with your ac and chiller on at same time??

[nos68]

Yes, AC & Chiller. Granted, last summer did have MH lights, but still, it's not cheap.

This is why I'd prefer not to have to use it, or at least minimize it's use. So, if there's a way to reduce heat, then I'd like to do it.

-Chris

[Casey]

Well you can freeze 2 litre bottles and float them in the sump.

[DAC]

i had to that one year.. (2 liter bottles)// I had about four on rotation cause they defrost faster than they wouldfreeze.. but it was cheap..