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Re: Suggestion for misting and cooling system for a 20 gallo

Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 7:23 am
by thijs
I tested a rig with a peltier cooler a while ago. Total cost about 30-50 dollars, maybe? Peltier element through eBay from China (a 12706), two heat exchangers (these: http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-Pcs-Water-Coo ... 1340870314) bolted together around the peltier unit, two small water pumps, some piping, an old computer PSU and two large plastic boxes from IKEA. Some drilling, bolting and connecting hoses later I had a system with a warm water side at about 35 degrees Celsius and a cool water side steady at 14 degrees Celsius. Both about 10 gallons worth. Ambient at the time was about 21 degrees Celsius. Yay for arduino and cheap temp sensors from China...

I stopped the test after one day, because my old computer PSU was a bit too long in the tooth and had developed an irritating whine. A lot louder than the two constantly on water pumps. I have since ordered smaller, hopefully more silent pumps and have some other PSU's waiting to be tested.

The idea will be to run the cool loop through the bottom of a (still to be built) HL terrarium. Possibly including a mister somewhere in the loop. And maybe the warm loop through another terrarium for LL conditions.

Re: Suggestion for misting and cooling system for a 20 gallo

Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 7:40 am
by Mufasa
I believe also, you should be able to place more peltier elements on the cooler, probably tiled (i think stacked would be less efficient), and produce more cooling effect at the cost of more amps.

Re: Suggestion for misting and cooling system for a 20 gallo

Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 12:43 pm
by Cory
I don't disagree that a Peltier cooler will work. I never messed with one because it won't be long any everything will outgrow the terrarium.

Especially neps. Helis will as well.

Re: Suggestion for misting and cooling system for a 20 gallo

Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 10:05 pm
by Maiden
I have serious doubt about growing your hl plants, in hot summer, with a peltier cooler, but if you try, keep us posted :-)

Re: Suggestion for misting and cooling system for a 20 gallo

Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 10:15 pm
by ps3isawesome
I'm having serious doubt about sustaining a HL tank in general. If all else fails I shall get an AC

Re: Suggestion for misting and cooling system for a 20 gallo

Posted: Tue Feb 24, 2015 10:53 pm
by Cory
I tried everything besides a Peltier cooler.
I ended up with AC.
Might want to save yourself money and time and just go with an AC unit imo.

Been there done that