A chilling experiment - Orchid Board

s1214215 · #1 (**permalink**) 02-19-2009, 12:23 AM

Hi Everyone

I am about to launch into an experiment in cooling a wardian case of sorts. That is I have a 150 gallon fish tank that I am going to slap a lid on, and try to cool. My apartment gets to 35c in the day during the hot season. I am aiming for a temperature of 20c to 22c.

I am going to try Martin's idea using the computer water cooled radiator to cool the case with an aquarium chiller to chill the water as it is thermostatically controlled. http://www.cpukforum.com/forum/index...howtopic=28146

Its not going to be pretty, and is only a temporary measure, as my goal is to preserve 4 lepanthes /flasks until I leave Thailand for home next year.

I am going post pics and comments as I go in a new thread... Stay tuned. I am off to shop for parts as of the weekend.

Here is a picture of the Hailea Aquamedic chiller that I will use to cool water in a small tank, that will then be pumped throught the fan blown radiator. I am using a chiller as it will drop the water temperature to a stable level and give me more control that a fridge.

Brett

Hailea Aquamedic HL-880 CA
Titanium tube and use Mitsubishi compressor
Input Power : 1 HP
Ice Media R 134a
Pump : 1200-3000 L/Hr
Size : 48.5 X 41.5 X 44 cm
For aquarium volume not over than 880 L

s1214215 · #2 (**permalink**) 02-19-2009, 12:25 AM

This is my tank that I am going to use. I was going to set it up as a fish tank, but decided to put that idea on hold until I go back to Australia and ship it back with all my other stuff.

Brett

calvin_orchidL · #3 (**permalink**) 02-19-2009, 12:34 AM

Um...WOW I can't wait to see how this project works out! That's one nice tank you've got there!! The only issue I can see is accessibility (ie how will you reach in to work with the plants?) Otherwise, amazing and I'm eagerly awaiting updates

Tindomul · #4 (**permalink**) 02-19-2009, 01:07 AM

Calvin, you reach in the old fashioned way, through the top. I love front opening vivs though. Haha.

Nice, can't wait to see some construction photos.

s1214215 · #5 (**permalink**) 02-19-2009, 02:24 AM

Hi Guys

I know it will be a pain to have to stand on a step ladder to do any work, but the way I am setting it up, I plan to do as little of that as possible. Any way, it is just a temporary measure until I move back to Australia and get my proper wardian case running. It will have side opening doors. I hope to have a diagram of it soon from the carpenter.

I will try to draw a diagram of the cooling set up after work today so it gives an idea how I will set it all up.

I think having a sticky thread on cooling is a good idea as temperature is an important issue with wardian cases.

I welcome other members to contribute to this thread with anything relating to cooling.

Brett

Bird Song Farm · #6 (**permalink**) 02-19-2009, 05:52 AM

Boy are you making it hard for me not to delve into a large terrarium.......(just regular, not cooled) I have a 22 gal set up now as an experiment and it's going well so, maybe.............
Thanks for the thread, I'll be waiting for the final results!

Al

s1214215 · #7 (**permalink**) 02-19-2009, 06:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bird Song Farm

Boy are you making it hard for me not to delve into a large terrarium.......(just regular, not cooled) I have a 22 gal set up now as an experiment and it's going well so, maybe.............
Thanks for the thread, I'll be waiting for the final results!

Al

Just wait until I am back in Australia and I get a apartment. I intend to do a big terrarium - atleast 150cm long x 75cm wide x 90 tall and stock with cool growers.

And on the cool topic. Here is a chiller that can chill to 0 centigrade. Computer Water Cooling, Automotive Water Injection, Aquarium Chillers and Pumps, - SubZero Modified Chiller They also sell radiators Dual Radiator - I really like the look of this one.

This is complete radiator and fan set available in Bangkok... I may get this as it is cheaper though. Welcome to JEDI Accessory Overclock

Brett

Tindomul · #8 (**permalink**) 02-19-2009, 10:43 AM

How do you use a radiator like that on a terrarium?

s1214215 · #9 (**permalink**) 02-19-2009, 11:34 AM

Hi Tindomul

I think the term radiator is a misleading one. As it means to many people the throwing off of heat.

Really what the radiator is doing here is serving as a grid of pipes and mesh through which cool/cold water is pumped, chilling the metal. Then cold air is then blown by fan over it, creating cooler air and thus lowering the ambient temperature of the wardian case.

The chiller (pictured) will cool the water held in a reservoir and then be circulated by a pump through the radiator for the fan too blow over.

Sorry, I have not had time tonight to create a diagram.... I will try to make time tomorrow and as I go I will take pictures to show in detail how the method works

Brett

Tindomul · #10 (**permalink**) 02-19-2009, 05:57 PM

So, you will be using the chiller to cool water that will pass through the radiator, which will be used to cool the air in the tank, and then also use the chiller to directly cool the water in the tank? Or will your tank not have any free standing water (pond or such).