Nano Cube Heat

[dfabrikant]

We have purchased a Nano Cube HQI 29gal. As soon as the lights come on during the day the water heats up to 84-85 degrees. What is a safe temperature and before I go buy a chiller would the new LED hoods work to reduce the heat? Does everyone with the Nano's have problems with high water temperature?

 

[saxman]

Pretty much all of the "plug-n-play" tanks have heat issues (even the non-HQI models run right around 80*F IME). The LED lids do bring the intrinsic heat of the system down by a few degrees, but you're still in the 80*F range.
You can drop the temp by another 2-3*F if you re-pump the tank with a more efficient pump. I just swapped out the pumps on one of our PiP's with Sicce Syncra Silent 0.5's and talk about QUIET as well as being more efficient (less power draw, therefore less heat to dissipate).
If you add a chiller, you can do it two ways:
1) Add a dedicated pump and return the chilled water to the sump area of the tank (pump on one side, return on the other)
2) Plumb it thru the existing pump and back to the DT portion of the tank (just use the stock fittings).
I have chillers running on a couple of PiP's, and I have them plumbed both ways.

 

[jaodissa]

Mine doesnt look as pretty anymore, but we lifted the hood up 2.5 inches with acrylic. I have to keep my water temp around 70. With a chiller and the lifted hood we are good

 

[dfabrikant]

 

[ashily]

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[coralreefertom]

Your best bet to combat heat issues, that not only reduce the amount of dissolved oxygen the higher the temperature is to try and avoid a cover. This allows ample area at the water/air surface interface to allow proper gas exchange as well as helps keep water temp in an optimum range.
Led lighting is ideal for providing sufficient PAR and PUR for symbiotic corals, as well as not elevating water temperatures. If you do use high heat output bulbs like halides and power compacts, it is best to place them higher above the water surface. A room fan can also help to maintain stable water temperatures by blowing across the top of your tank. The only drawback to this is water evaporation.

 

[coralreefertom]

I forgot to mention that a chiller is not necessary with using the fan method or raising the distance your lights are above your top of the tank. Save money by not buying a chiller and get a LED fixture. You will not only save on your electric bill but bulb replacement as well!