How To Cool A Small (20 Gallon) Tank?

I’ve been wanting to set up a tank for an axolotl for a while now but my boyfriend and I haven’t had the room for it until recently (we breed reptiles so I can use one of our racks for the tank). I’ve only ever had tropical tanks, so my issue is since we have so many reptiles in one room, the room is really hot, even with AC on. It’s around 80-85+ degrees because our blue tongue skink’s basking area is at 120+ degrees and the tank we have him in right now doesn’t hold the heat in very well. The water in the room sits anywhere from 75-80 degrees.

So how do I cool a 20 gallon tank enough to house an axolotl? I don’t want to have to spend a boat load of money on a small chiller unless there are reliable ones for a good price. I’m going to be quitting my job soon because it’s gotten to be too stressful so money will be a bit tight for a while. I’ve also seen some cooling fans for aquariums but would that drop the temperature enough (60-64 degrees)?

 

I know that Taylor Nicole Dean uses a fan for her axolotl tank. Her main complaint was the fan being really loud, but if you don't mind the noise it could be an option.

Other than a cooling fan... I can't think of anything except a chiller. Hopefully, someone else will come along with more suggestions. But regardless, an axolotl might not be the best pet to own in your current situation.

 

I know that Taylor Nicole Dean uses a fan for her axolotl tank. Her main complaint was the fan being really loud, but if you don't mind the noise it could be an option.

Other than a cooling fan... I can't think of anything except a chiller. Hopefully, someone else will come along with more suggestions. But regardless, an axolotl might not be the best pet to own in your current situation.

We have a new tank being put together for the blue tongue that will help hold in all of the heat from his basking spot, but that will take a few months because the plants in it need to get established first. Maybe I’ll have better luck with the temperatures then. Cooling fans aren’t that expensive so I can possibly buy one just to seem how much it drops the temperature for me.

 

I don't have personal experience with this but it might help...

You could try leaning stone tiles against the wall behind the tank and on the side. The cold from the stones might keep the tank cooler. I have never tried this but it is worth a shot if you have some lying around!

 

I don't have personal experience with this but it might help...

You could try leaning stone tiles against the wall behind the tank and on the side. The cold from the stones might keep the tank cooler. I have never tried this but it is worth a shot if you have some lying around!

Hmm, may be a good idea. I have some cooling marble tiles that I used for my chinchilla. I’ll give that a test run as well.