Freshwater temperature problem

I've recently bought a Juwel 125 gallon freshwater aquarium. Just started cycling the tank using JBLs Denitrol.
No fishes have been added yet.

The problem I'm having is the temperature in the tank is at 28.3 ºC (82.94 ºF)!!!. I do have air conditioning but once its switched off, the temperature gradually rises.
I live in Dubai,UAE and summer has just begun here.

What would be the most ideal way to lower temperature rather than buying cooling fans or an aquarium chiller?
If there isn't one, what aquarium chillers or cooling fans would be appropriate for my set up?

I was looking to add Cherry barbs and Neon Tetras to begin with, but now clearly that's not possible.

Sorry its a 125 liter (33 Gallon) Juwel aquarium

 

I was going to say, a chiller for a 125 gallon would cost a FORTUNE. A chiller for a 33 is going to cost about $500, plus electric charges.

If you live in an area that gets very hot, you're better off going with warm water fish. KuhlI loaches and GBRs are two that come to mind. I've kept a betta with GBRs before, so that's something I would try again. Otherwise, you could get a gourami in there and I'm sure there are tetras that like warm water, though I can't think of any off the top of my head (my tanks are unheated).

 

Cardinal Tetras are better in warm water than Neon Tetras. Looks are similar so maybe it's something you want to consider.

 

Think I'll get some Gouramis to begin with. Seems the Cardinal tetra can only stand temps upto 27 degrees.
Any other warm water fishes I need to look into?

 

Cardinal Tetras are often kept with Discus fish. Discus tanks are usually kept at a minimum of 82F and as high as 84 - 86F. Rummy nose tetras are also sometimes kept with discus but I haven't kept any of them myself.

 

While it's a little warmer than I keep my tanks, I don't think 83 is atrociously warm. I've read that it's only really dangerous (depending on the fish, of course) once you reach the 90s. Hopefully it doesn't get any warmer!

 

Good afternoon,

I have moved your thread from Freshwater Beginners to Aquarium Water/Temperature section of the forum.

Thanks!

Ken

 

This is probably going to sound obvious, but have you tried leaving part of the top off the aquarium? Sometimes taking the top off will help diffuse the heat in the aquarium.

 

This is probably going to sound obvious, but have you tried leaving part of the top off the aquarium? Sometimes taking the top off will help diffuse the heat in the aquarium.

Well yes, but this only drops the temperature by 0.3 - 0.4 degrees

 

I have read that freezing plastic bottles and using them in the aquarium can be effective.
Is this advisable?

 

Welcome to Fishlore!

There are many ways to cool a tank.....

Leave the lights off if no live plants

Add extra air stones. It will cause enough surface disturbance to release heat and will ensure the warmer water remains fully oxygenated.

Remove tank cover and replace with screen to allow heat to escape

Freeze soda bottles and float in tank to cool the water

Do small water changes with slightly cooler water

Point a room fan at the tank to increase air circulation

Point a small personal sized fan at the tank water to cause surface disturbance


I deal with hot tanks every summer. My smaller tanks have the most issues.

As already stated, unless your tank goes over 30C your fish should do fine.

Good luck!

 

If I remember correctly, the Juwel hoods are plastic?

This makes them perfect for cutting some holes in the back, and using computer fans or similar to extract the heat from the hood. They are low voltage, and have been applied to reef tanks quite successfully.

I can't remember the name of them, but I think it was "arctic chiller fans" or similar.

 

Think I'll get some Gouramis to begin with.

I said A gourami

Unless you are going with sparkling, honey or pearl gouramis, only 1 will fit in the tank.

 

Thank you all for the support. This forum has a wealth of information for beginners like myself.x

Will look into all the above methods.