----- Original Message -----
From: ER
Is there a cheap cooling solution available? I need to cool my 55 (US) gallon tank about 3 degrees.
From:
HLNot really, I'm afraid. The cheapest possible way is to install a fan (or two) in your canopy, or blowing over your sump. The increased water evaporation will cool the tank to some degree. Another alternative is to buy an old second-hand fridge. Drill two holes through the side panel or door, and coil a few metres of rubber tubing inside the fridge. Pump the tank water through this tubing, using a power head or pump. If the fridge is large, you will have to rig up some thermostatic control, to stop the pumping when the temperature drops below the required level.
From: MS
I am worried removing the cover glasses will lead to the death of some fish, by jumping to their death. My fish are:
Emperor angel, Queen angel, Regal tang, Yellow tang, Foxface, 2 humbug Damsels, maroon Clown, Algae Blenny, Scarlet Hawkfish, purple Dottyback, Royal Gramma, 6 line Wrasse, Midas Blenny - I think that is all of them ...Is there is real likelihood of one of these fish jumping to their death? Are any known to be enthusiastic jumpers?
Thanks for all replies. I have made modifications to the pumps... hopefully that will reduce their heat. But I really can't do much else until I determine if it is safe or not?From: HL
I've been keeping my tank for more than 3 years now without a cover glass, but with a home made wooden canopy. The canopy prevents the fish from jumping out.
My first canopy was made from marine ply, and lasted about 10 years (~ 8½ years fresh water). My new canopy was built to accommodate the new metal halide lamps. It's made from solid hardwood (Meranti), and has been in use now for about 6 months, without any problems.I lined the interior of both canopies with a layer of glass fibre and polyester resin, and water condensing on the inside remains "unpolluted". It also keeps the wood dry, and prevents warping (not that there's much condensation on the inside, with the fan blowing 80 cubic foot of air per minute through it).