Keeping an aquarium cool

Jeb21

I've been out of the hobby for about 20 years and just recently set up a nice little Betta tank for my daughter. Of course the bug has bit me again now and I would love to have a nice little 10 gallon or so for myself. Unfortunately the only place in the house that I could have a tank is my workshop in the garage. It is a very nice workshop, finished walls etc. Problem is living in southern california the summer months average in the 90's out here. Most days the shop is VERY hot. Is an aquarium out of the question here? I'm assuming if the ambient air temp is in the high 90's to low 100's at times the water temp in the tank will be well above the mid 70's.

Anyone else have a situation like this and discovered a solution? The frozen water bottle idea won't work on a daily basis for months at a time. Anything changed in the last 20 years to deal with this situation. Thanks!

Herbicide

I don't have that problem (in fact, quite the opposite!) so I'll let others advise you on keeping it cool, but I would recommend you get more than 10 gallons (at least 20 gallons) if possible. The smaller the tank, the harder it will be to keep the temperature stable, in my experience. But if you're set on a 10 gal, you can ignore me :P

Jeb21

The only reason I'm set on a 10-15 gallon is space. I did a bit more research and see that chillers are an option, unfortunately a pretty pricey one...

1077

A small fan blowing acrosss the surface of the water might be helpful. Would look for small fish that adapt to warmer temps. Cardinal tetras come to mind if water isn't too alkaline (hard).
A single betta would be another option as they appreciate waters from 78 degrees F to 82 degrees F.
It is the temp fluctuations in small tanks that is stressful to fishes,and larger bodies of water are more forgiving. Can't hardly believe a work shop could not accomodate a 20 gal considering it's not that much longer than a ten gal but It's not my work shop.

Jeb21

Good info, thanks. I'm sure I could get a bit larger tank in there but it is a very functioning shop with tools, cabinets etc that already have claim to most of the real estate.

1077

Do be aware that in such an enviornment, care will need to be taken to prevent contamination of the water in the aquarium (ie) paints,solvents,airborne particulates,etc.

iamntbatman

I think fans are going to be the best option aside from a chiller. You can buy purpose-made fans but you can rig up some computer fans to do the trick. I'm not sure just how much cooling they'll provide in 100-degree heat, though.