I think I need a water cooler/chiller

You are talking big bucks.....Have you tried fans?

Yea most chillers are in the high range and fans would be a good idea have you tried it?

if you have metal halides, put one medium sized fan blowing directly on each bulb, that will keep it cool

I have some little 4" round fans from walmart...one on each end..pointing towards water, and one on the center....So far they are helping cause my water stays under 80 with only 2 on...and w/o them (on warmer days) it would be 82-83

if you dont like the looks of a fan, you could just build a diy canopy. it only costs like 25 dollars total for a cheap simple one

I have a JBJ 1/3HP chiller. JBJ's are very popular and for good reason. Check out used ones too, as you can sometimes find great deals. I wouldn't put anything smaller than a 1/5HP on a 180g.

Most just shut off once the lowest temperature setting is reached, so they don't act like heaters, although maybe some of the really expensive models serve dual roles. I don't use any heaters on my tank here in TX, so I didn't consider this when purchasing my chiller.

just do what i do. turn the AC and set it to 70

Depending on the MH set-up, that might not even make a dent.

I would recommend getting a chiller for the fact that you set it and walk away, using fans evaporates the water to rapidly, unless you enjoy constantly adding water every other day. I picked up a used 1/3 hp prime in line water tower that cools down my 75 gal tank great.The best part about this brand is that they are fairly new in the hobbyiest world wich means even if you get an older model they are only about three years old or so and also they are built in the usa so parts and repairs are very accsesiable. I love mine and would never go back to fans.

also would like to point out that the some of these in line towers do have setups to where you can hookup an internal heater, i have not done this to mine but it is definitly somthing to consider.

Aqua Euro Makes Chiller With Heaters Included. I Have One Of Those On My Nano Tank. I Use A Jbj Arctica 1/4 On My 180 Gallon.

That is funny...you ask about getting a chiller and everyone tries to talk you into some dumb ugly fans. Getting a chiller is a great idea and is so maintenence free. I have a Current chiller and I set the temp at 80 degrees and there is a plug in the back for the heater which I keep in the sump. The heater will kick on if there is more than a 2 degree temp swing and the chiller will kick on if the temp goes above 81 degrees. You can just look at the chiller and see how the temperatures are running because it will tell you the temperature of the tank and if the heater or chiller is running. GET A GOOD NAME BRAND CHILLER IF YOU CAN AFFORD IT. You will be happy you did!

YEAH and for those of us who can't afford chillers, I guess we can just use the UGLY fans

I have a 1/10 for my 120...It has a plug for a heater in the back and regulates the water temperature both ways...Heating and cooling. I don't have to worry about my heater frying my tank.

Sorry Meowzer...I used to have an ugly fan also...I am in Sacramento CA though and it gets pretty damn hot here so I wanted something a little more stable as far as regulating the temperature...if you are on a certain buying used stuff website (guess I can't say the real name) the right day you can pick up a used on pretty cheap and make reefing a whole lot easier...

LOL...No problem...I live in Oklahoma..it gets pretty hot here too

I am really nervous about when the HOT part of summer hits, and I am truly hoping that my fans and A/C will help...I am thinking about getting one of those portable (roll around) a/c room units (even tho I have central) just so I can keep this room cooler....See I have a 54g w/horses, and a 225G, and the chillers for the 225G Are very expensive....the portable room a/c will be approximately $300