Open or Closed Remote Sump

rdnyva · 03/04/2007, 06:24 AM

I recently moved my sump to the garage. It's worked out great but I'm wondering now about heat issues. I currently have the sides wrapped in styrofoam. This works to keep heat in when the weather is cold, but what about the summer when it is hot (and it gets hot here). So my question is - If I completley cover the sump, sides and top (I'd build a top lined with insulation) would this keep my tank cooler in the summer by blocking outside heat or would it further raise the temps by not allowing ventilation? Has anyone tackled this problem, what did you do? What works best? Thanks

BadOleRoss · 03/04/2007, 07:38 AM

Usually, evaporation will lower the temps in your tank. I keep fans tied in to my MHs so when the light kick on so do the fan to assist in evaporation to keep the tank temps down. A garage doesnt usually get to warm IMO. I woud cover the sump opened and monitor the tank temps and see if they rise. If it gets hot uncover and add a fan. Otherwise I woud keep covered to keep out dust, dirt etc that usually come with garages.

rdnyva · 03/04/2007, 07:58 AM

Thanks for the reply BOR. I asked this question because while the chiller does keep the temps in range I'm trying to minimize the chiller use to conserve electricity ($$$). I don't have fans on my sump but do have them in my canopy. While moving the sump to the garage was a good move it does come with a price, mainly the outside weather. One thing I didn't consider but have now realized is that cars parked in the garage give off massive heat, for a long time after they are turned off. The chiller is also located in the garage and gives of more heat than I thought. We are not even in the summer months and the air temp in the garage is approaching 90, with the chiller working overtime. I was just wondering if coveringthe sump would keep out hot air or keep it from dissipating out. I guess I'll have to try it to see the results.

03/04/2007, 06:24 AM	#1
rdnyva Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,106	Open or Closed Remote Sump I recently moved my sump to the garage. It's worked out great but I'm wondering now about heat issues. I currently have the sides wrapped in styrofoam. This works to keep heat in when the weather is cold, but what about the summer when it is hot (and it gets hot here). So my question is - If I completley cover the sump, sides and top (I'd build a top lined with insulation) would this keep my tank cooler in the summer by blocking outside heat or would it further raise the temps by not allowing ventilation? Has anyone tackled this problem, what did you do? What works best? Thanks __________________ 150 gal mixed reef Apex Lite 2 - MP40 QD Vertex Omega 180i Skimmer ReefBreeders Photon 50 V2

03/04/2007, 07:58 AM	#3
rdnyva Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Central Florida Posts: 1,106	Thanks for the reply BOR. I asked this question because while the chiller does keep the temps in range I'm trying to minimize the chiller use to conserve electricity ($$$). I don't have fans on my sump but do have them in my canopy. While moving the sump to the garage was a good move it does come with a price, mainly the outside weather. One thing I didn't consider but have now realized is that cars parked in the garage give off massive heat, for a long time after they are turned off. The chiller is also located in the garage and gives of more heat than I thought. We are not even in the summer months and the air temp in the garage is approaching 90, with the chiller working overtime. I was just wondering if coveringthe sump would keep out hot air or keep it from dissipating out. I guess I'll have to try it to see the results. __________________ 150 gal mixed reef Apex Lite 2 - MP40 QD Vertex Omega 180i Skimmer ReefBreeders Photon 50 V2

03/04/2007, 07:38 AM	#2
BadOleRoss Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Lynchburg VA Posts: 381	Usually, evaporation will lower the temps in your tank. I keep fans tied in to my MHs so when the light kick on so do the fan to assist in evaporation to keep the tank temps down. A garage doesnt usually get to warm IMO. I woud cover the sump opened and monitor the tank temps and see if they rise. If it gets hot uncover and add a fan. Otherwise I woud keep covered to keep out dust, dirt etc that usually come with garages.