Cooling a 12 gallon nano

[DesertSwinger]

So I am building a 12 gallon nano and was looking at using an ice probe to keep this thing cool but I cant install it into the tank due to size of the probe. I am going to use a controller for this tank with PH, Salinity and auto- top off and lights.

Now for a nano this is a pretty expensive setup and I am stuck on what to do about a chiller without spending $400 for cooling what might be 8 gallons of water. I am looking into a couple options but am reaching out to you guys to help sway me one way or another.
I might use carbon but I will not be using media in the sump and will be using a surface skimmer so sump will be somewhat empty.

FYI this is a JBJ 12 Gallon DX with power compacts (will add an LED moonlight). Planning on a normal soft coral/ fish reef setup.

Ideas:
Use the Ice Probe and put a pump into the sump and run some tubing down to a DIY bracket/ PVC contraption and have the controller tell the fan when to come on.

Break down and buy a real chiller but really dont want to go this route.

Install a Pacific Coast CL-150 to handle the heating and chilling on this unit using a pump in the sump to continuously run water through it.

Open to anything else?

Lastly I only live about a mile from the beach so my place stays pretty cool but there are a few weeks out of the year that it does get pretty warm.

 

[Jhuneke]

I have an 8 gallon AIO , and with no sump , and ZERO desire to spend as much or more on a chiller than the tank cost.. I have employed a good old fashioned fan ( a 4 in personal desktop variety) ! It is not ideal since it is hung on the wall behind the tank and you can of course see it.. but it's only for really 3-4 months a year that I need it. Works perfectly, and you can certainly buy the "lo-pro" nano tank fans online that would look much nicer. Just my .002 .. but I'm a cheap reefer who wants to spend my dough on tank candy

 

[Jhuneke]

OH! also, I just noticed.. but since you running power compacts, the heat from those will be a real issue. I run an A4 Nova LED on mine and even the little heat that they throw affects the tank a few degrees. If that light is your preferred choice for the tank , a chiller will probably be required. But honestly, for less than the price of a chiller, you can change them out for a nice LED and save some cost .. as well as the monthly energy usage. Good luck either way

 

[Smite]

I looked into this for my 8 gallon awhile back before we moved to a place with AC. I couldn't seem to find a probe that had decent reviews that would fit my tank. I think your going to be stuck looking for a chiller with the pc lighting.
So far in this hobby I find its better to be patient, save up and buy what you know will work. I've tried to save a couple bucks on wavemakers, lights ect and always ended up unsatisfied - selling them for 1/2 of what I paid and spending the dough on what I knew would work in the end. Keep an eye on the market place here you'll end up saving big $$ getting it used. I always see them popping up. There was a 1/15hp up a few days ago - might want to see if it sold yet. Buy used, vinegar bath. Don't like it? sell it for close to what you bought it for and try something else! Good luck.

 

[TH64]

Fan hooked up to your controller should be sufficient

 

[xmas_one]

Fan hooked up to your controller should be sufficient

+1

A decent fan will beat an ice probe.

 

[bad santa]

A had a small fan on my 6 gal and it worked for the days that were <90 and I had to have a big supply of top off water too.
I have a 1/20 chiller for $100 if your interested.

 

[reefes pieces]

Use the money for ur chiller and upgrade to all led. Ditch the lid and add a clip on fan. A desk fan from target can bring ur temp into the 70's. Just make sure u have the ato first

 

[newtothis]

I can fabricate a fan bracket that would house a computer fan that can sit on your tank if of its convertible or if you have a sump it'll lay over your return. But I've nevered had to use a chiller. I've learned to run my lights at night time off peak hours and everything is topless

 

[DesertSwinger]

Thanks for your input guys as you all got some great ideas. I think I am going to hold out for the used chiller and do this the way it should be.I am going to keep the canopy and may upgrade to the LED's later as the upgrade kit is about as much as a tank.

 

[ngvu1]

Controller:$20-$25
Fan:$20
==> about $50 you can keep it under 80 degree unless the house is 93 degree or more

 

[DesertSwinger]

I do live on the beach but do not have air conditioning because of that very reason. I ended up doing it right and buying a chiller. Thanks for all the input guys.