5 Easy Ways to Cool Your Aquarium Water During a Heat Wave

5 Easy Ways to Cool Your Aquarium Water During a Heat Wave

During the hot summer months, keeping aquarium water cool enough for species like goldfish, goodeid livebearers, or axolotls can become a challenge. While heaters are relatively affordable to warm water, cooling it down can be costly without the right approach. To help you navigate through heat waves, we recommend starting with a reliable digital thermometer with an alarm system, so you’ll know when your tank needs immediate attention. Once you’ve got that in place, try these five easy methods to help your fish stay cool through the summer:

1. Remove Unnecessary Heat Sources

The simplest way to lower your aquarium’s temperature is by reducing heat-generating equipment. Turn off or remove heaters, UV sterilizers, skimmers, and any other devices that use power and produce heat. Also, consider switching to energy-efficient LED lights, which emit less heat compared to other lighting options. A sponge filter running off a basic air pump can help lower temperatures better than a more powerful canister filter.

2. Change Your Tank’s Location

If your aquarium is in direct sunlight or near a heat source, relocating it could help lower the water temperature. Rooms with lots of windows or appliances like ovens and gaming consoles can significantly warm up the surrounding environment. Move your tank to a cooler area, or close curtains during peak sunlight hours.

For tanks in shelving units or racks, placing cool water species in the bottom tanks can also make a difference, as lower levels tend to stay cooler than those higher up. For those with basements, consider moving your fish there where it's naturally cooler year-round.

3. Utilize Evaporative Cooling

Evaporation naturally cools down water, and encouraging it in your tank can help drop the temperature. Start by removing the tank lid to allow water to evaporate more freely. If you're worried about fish jumping, use a mesh lid instead. To further enhance cooling, increase surface agitation with an air stone or sponge filter, which not only speeds up evaporation but also helps maintain oxygen levels.

You can also use a fan for evaporative cooling. We recommend positioning a small USB fan directly over the tank, which is both quiet and efficient. For a DIY solution, connect it to a USB battery pack for continuous cooling, even during power outages. A table fan or ceiling fan can also cool down the room, though it may be less effective for targeting your tank directly.

4. Add Insulation to Your Aquarium

After cooling your water, protect it from external heat by insulating the tank. Cover the back and sides of your aquarium with reflective foil insulation or Styrofoam to block heat from entering. For severe heat waves, you can even cover the front panel temporarily.

5. Invest in an Aquarium Chiller

If all else fails and the heat persists, a chiller may be your best option. Aquarium chillers work by pumping water out of the tank, cooling it, and then returning it to the aquarium. Although effective, chillers are an expensive option, with prices ranging from several hundred to over $1000. If you choose this route, do some research to find the right chiller that fits both your aquarium size and budget.

What About Ice or Cool Water?

While freezing water bottles or adding cooler water during water changes may seem like a quick fix, these methods can cause temperature swings that stress your fish. We recommend avoiding these options if possible. Instead, stick to the consistent and reliable cooling methods outlined above for the best results.

At Marcus Fish Tanks, we understand how crucial temperature control is for your aquarium, especially during a heat wave. To help keep your fish safe, we offer Insulated Packaging designed to protect your aquatic plants and animals during shipping, ensuring they arrive cool and healthy, no matter the weather. Whether you're ordering new supplies or sending fish to a friend, our packaging will keep temperatures stable. Check out our Insulated Shipping Solutions today!