Easy cooling?

[Wasserpest]

I was wondering if anyone has attempted this or any thoughts...

Where I live it usually doesn't get very hot. In Fall, there are a couple of days or even a week or two when the lack of air condition really hurts and tank temperatures climb a bit higher than I would like for my fish.

I was thinking of building a box for my canister filter(s), and insulate it with styrofoam, leaving some space around the canister body on all four sides.

Then, when it gets hot, put some of those rectangular freezer cool packs around the filter. They don't take up that much space in the freezer so they could be ready when needed.

With the styrofoam, most of the cool-ness should be transferred to the tank water.

Maybe a bit more elegant than floating them in the tank?

[Sponsors]

[nate_mcnasty]

seems like it would work but could this make it heat up when theres not ice packs in it?

[Wasserpest]

I don't believe so. If you put the insulation around the canister body only, it will not change the temperature. The pump motor is what creates the heat, and that one is on top (and should probably not be covered/insulated).

I wonder if the cold packs could affect and stress the plastic canister housing.

[nate_mcnasty]

maybe put a thin towle around the filter like when you get a goose egg on your head haha

[Wasserpest]

Thanks for adding ideas.

[eyebeatbadgers]

I don't believe that frozen ice packs, which are coated in plastic, would cause the plastic of the canister to reach a temperature where brittleness would occur. Maybe if you had some liquid nitrogen around the filter it would be an issue

[lescarpentier]

Originally Posted by eyebeatbadgers

I don't believe that frozen ice packs, which are coated in plastic, would cause the plastic of the canister to reach a temperature where brittleness would occur. Maybe if you had some liquid nitrogen around the filter it would be an issue

It probably depends on what filter you have.
I wouldn't discount anything happening to those cheap Chinese filters.They can break under even the most ideal conditions,and they are brittle fresh out of the box.

[eyebeatbadgers]

Originally Posted by lescarpentier

It probably depends on what filter you have.
I wouldn't discount anything happening to those cheap Chinese filters.They can break under even the most ideal conditions,and they are brittle fresh out of the box.

I believe that brittleness is usually associated with the latches that secure the top of the canister, and the hose connection area, and not the actual "body" of the canister itself correct?

Cooling smooth plastic that doesn't move or flex to 30*F shouldn't cause issues, but I'm not a scientist. I do have a friend who is though

[lescarpentier]

Originally Posted by eyebeatbadgers

I believe that brittleness is usually associated with the latches that secure the top of the canister, and the hose connection area, and not the actual "body" of the canister itself correct?

Well,it stands to reason that if the parts that you indicate are brittle,then the rest of the filter is brittle too.Like I said,I would use caution with these cheap filters.

I like the cooling idea though.It should work great.

[Wasserpest]

Got four of the $2 Blue Ice weekender packs. Got plenty of wood and tools. Got canister filter. Now I just need time.

Filstars are sturdy so I am not overly concerned. But yes, cooling the outside to say 10F (those ice packs do get colder than 32F) while the inside remains at 80F has got to introduce some tension. That's what I am concerned about, not plastic getting brittle.

[teban]

hey guys why cant we just get a sturdy plastic case or something to put the ice pack into and let it float in the water and then take it out around 30 minutes or so?

[Buck]

It sounds like a good idea but you are going to need a freezer full of ice packs. They will not last long against the temps of the filter housing which would be the same temp as the water you are trying to cool.
The heat from the motor wont effect the tank temps like you say but the heat from lighting and ambient room temp will be a bit much to overcome Im sure. The fast contact to and small volume of water in the filter housing wont change a large tank before going through a dozen ice packs.

Now if you could also insulate/cool the intake and output hoses as well it may stand a chance.
It might work on a small tank but anything 75G and bigger I dont think would much effect.

Only one way to find out though eh?