Why is my tank overheating - uv schedules?

[AlohaReef]

So I started in this hobby in December with a fluval 13.5 and have been constantly adding gadgets. Since I got my IM heater controller & probe the system has been running at an even 78 all winter not budging at all. Recently, I added an AI axis 40 pump, refugium in chamber 2, an aqua uv classic 8w. Also, being spring, the exterior temp has been a little warmer but as far as I know the temp in my home has stayed the same. Over the course of a couple days my temp started spiking after adding the axis 40 but I did start to notice it a bit after I added uv before upgrading pumps as well. My question is, is all of these devices causing my tank to overheat plus ambient temp just causing it to be an issue today, or is it an isolated device like the uv causing the issue?

If it is the uv, should I be running it on a schedule, maybe during cooler hours for short periods? My goal with uv is to reduce bacterial blooms and algae control & aqua uv recommends running it continuously.

For reference, I have my axis 40 plumbed directly into the uv and its mounted vertically, so quite a bit of head pressure and I'm not sure what gph I'm actually getting running the pump at 90%.

Thanks for any advice, & happy reefing all!

 

[braaap]

The axis pumps run HOT. I use a 90 as my mixing bucket pump for a 5 gallon bucket. It will take a 60 degree water to 81 or so by itself. Takes about 4-5 hours. I would bet it’s your axis 40.

 

[mmorrison55]

I think it’s more likely the return pump than the UV, but sure it does add some to the temp rise jus like anything that runs on electricity. You could always unplug or turn off your UV, and check your temp a few hours later.

What is your thermostat/ambient temp set at? I bet if you were able to read the temp close to your tank, it would be several degrees higher than an other room.

My sump and equipment is in another room than my display, and the “fish” room is probably 5 degrees warmer than the rest of the house.

 

[AlohaReef]

The axis pumps run HOT. I use a 90 as my mixing bucket pump for a 5 gallon bucket. It will take a 60 degree water to 81 or so by itself. Takes about 4-5 hours. I would bet it’s your axis 40.

That's surprising! Most fluval owners rave about the axis 40. It sounds right though because it definitely spiked much further after adding the axis.

 

[AlohaReef]

I think it’s more likely the return pump than the UV, but sure it does add some to the temp rise jus like anything that runs on electricity. You could always unplug or turn off your UV, and check your temp a few hours later.

What is your thermostat/ambient temp set at? I bet if you were able to read the temp close to your tank, it would be several degrees higher than an other room.

My sump and equipment is in another room than my display, and the “fish” room is probably 5 degrees warmer than the rest of the house.

My thermostat is 20 ft from the tank in same room set to 69. I guess I will try to isolate the cause and adjust accordingly?

 

[AlohaReef]

Update: I determined it 8s the UV causing the major temp swings. Temps go back to normal running everything but the uv. To be fair it's a big uv for a 13.5. With that said, what would be a good schedule to run UV on? I run my refugium from 10 30- 10 30. Thinking of matching that with uv. Will that be enough to make an impact on the tanks bacteria, and maybe allow a copepod population to build at the same time?

 

[MarineandReef Jaron]

Do you run a lid on the tank? A solid glass or polycarbonate lid will trap a lot of heat.

 

[AlohaReef]

Do you run a lid on the tank? A solid glass or polycarbonate lid will trap a lot of heat.

I do run a vented poly lid from Top Lids. It's always been fine though before the new pump & UV. I did remove the evaporation cover for now since it's getting warmer out. The tank runs at normal temp with UV off. Not sure why there's a swing with UV on. Maybe it's a combination of the UV and pump causing it to build?

 

[MarineandReef Jaron]

If you remove the lid then you can likely run the UV without issue.

 

[AlohaReef]

If you remove the lid then you can likely run the UV without issue.

I tried yesterday & the temp still went up, just not as much. I run on 78 & with the lid off it went to 79 & climbing so I just turned it off for a few hours. Is there a healthy balance for running a UV that would allow my copepod population to build? My refugium is in the chamber right before my return pump that feeds the UV. Was wondering if running it half on / half off would accomplish my goal of limiting algae growth but also allow copepods to populate.

 

[twentyleagues]

I tried yesterday & the temp still went up, just not as much. I run on 78 & with the lid off it went to 79 & climbing so I just turned it off for a few hours. Is there a healthy balance for running a UV that would allow my copepod population to build? My refugium is in the chamber right before my return pump that feeds the UV. Was wondering if running it half on / half off would accomplish my goal of limiting algae growth but also allow copepods to populate.

Uv will not directly effect the pods. It will kill what they eat though, phyto and algae. Turn your heater down in the tank a couple degrees and run your uv and pump continuously. Do you dose live phyto? If so shut the uv off for a few hours after dosing.

 

[Largeangels]

Why are you running the UV?