Temperature problem

Discussion in 'General Discussions' started by Lowflyer7, Feb 9, 2019.

  1. Lowflyer7

    Lowflyer7

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    Hi guys

    So after much observation, I have noticed that water temperature is a factor in fish deaths in my tank. I have been struggling to keep the temp below 27/28 degrees Celsius. It even stays warm like this overnight. Not sure if the HOB filter pump and powerhead filter are contributing to the heat.

    I don't have the finances for a chiller. Can anyone help me with a DIY fan system which I could attach to the lid to blow air on the water?

    I've noticed my mollies spend quite a bit of time at the surface, seemingly for air.

    Thanks in advance for the help.
     
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  3. MariaS

    MariaS Retired Moderator

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    @Lowflyer,

    I know some people use computer fans on top of their tanks and apparently works very well but i have never tried

    I switch off all the heaters and I have a normal fan on a stand that I switch on facing the tanks and its working for me
    I am not sure if you have air stones in your tank, if not, get an air pump and add an airstone or two as that also helps lower the temperature and give extra oxygen via the extra surface agitation which helps the fish
     
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  4. OP
    Lowflyer7

    Lowflyer7

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    Thanks @MariaS

    I have also heard of people using PC fans, which I'm keen to attempt. For the moment, I've put the spray bar from the powerhead out the water and faces straight down and it seems to be creating quite a lot of fine air bubbles and surface disturbance.
     
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  5. MariaS

    MariaS Retired Moderator

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    That's also an option

    We havent gone the PC fan route as our tanks are too big
    But the normal fan outside has done it well even when we were hitting 38 in December sometime
     
  6. Adrian Gatter

    Adrian Gatter

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    Temp isn't killing your fish, stress is. I agree with you, fix the temp but your water is a factor

    Sent from my S60 using Tapatalk
     
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  7. BradK

    BradK

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    I just did the same myself, I got nice flow on the surface, and some white water. My heater never comes on but my temps are the same as yours.

    I also have two cooler master low rpm fans which I'm going to mount on the roof hope it helps. Cos just like in your case I have a molly at the surface. The funny things it's just this one fish. But it eats and swims around fine.

    This is a very hot summer.
     
  8. Blade

    Blade

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    I am also battling with high temps, marines are running at 31 deg and freshwaters are at 30 deg, so far no fatalities, hoping it will cool down soon.
     
  9. JDV

    JDV

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    I have 2 80mm pc fans on my 4ft keeps temp at 27 and if really hot 28. Without fans it hits 30 - 31. Evaporation is a hectic so keep the top up water close

    Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
     
  10. BradK

    BradK

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    Hows the noise from the fans.
     
  11. Neels913

    Neels913

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    What kind of fish do you have? I've never had issues with dying fish because of temperatures. And I've had temperatures 30 degrees + with the heatwaves we've been having.
     
  12. JDV

    JDV

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    Not that bad but 80mm fans are noisy. The 120mm is a lot quieter. I work in IT so the fans don't really bother me don't here it anymore.

    Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk
     
  13. BradK

    BradK

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    I'm also in IT . So i got a lot of 120mm lying around, got some cooler master 120mm blue LEDs,, bling lmao.

    I got a thing for things that buzz and make underlying noises...drives me mad until I find it. Lol
     
  14. OP
    Lowflyer7

    Lowflyer7

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    A bit of noise doesn't bother me. Is it possible to get an 80mm USB 5volt fan?
     
  15. BradK

    BradK

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    Check on Google, you can connect any can to USB power.
     
  16. LunaTic

    LunaTic

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    I bought computer fans that run on 220 volts and use those to cool my tank
     
  17. OP
    Lowflyer7

    Lowflyer7

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    OH awesome. Did you buy online or at a local PC shop?
     
  18. BoelderBeestie

    BoelderBeestie

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    It's not the temp. 27/28 isn't all that hot. I would rather look at the water quality.
     
  19. LunaTic

    LunaTic

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    I got them from www.mantech.co.za
     
  20. Arrow Boy

    Arrow Boy

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    Agreed, I would start with the sniff test to see if Chlorine is the issue and water treatment is working.

    How often do you do water changes and what % of water per change?
     
  21. MariaS

    MariaS Retired Moderator

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    I agree with @BoelderBeestie that 27/28 is not that hot and if water quality and aeration is good, your fish should be fine

    I have had my tanks at 29/30 many times with large fish and they have been fine
    This being said, usually if we having a heat wave, once the tank starts hitting 29, i switch the fan on
     

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