Home >> Science & Nature >> Animals & Science

How to Convert a Water Cooler Into an Aquarium Chiller

Aquarium water chillers are used to cool down the temperature of the water in a fish tank, preserving the temperature stability that keeps tropical fish alive. An aquarium that is too hot can kill fish and decreases the amount of oxygen available for all living organisms in the tank, including corals. An easy and relatively inexpensive way to cool your aquarium is to convert a water cooler into a system that circulates cool water around the tank, lowering the temperature.

Things You'll Need

Electrical hot and cold water dispenser
Aquarium water pump
1/4-inch diameter cold water hose and return line
1/4-inch diameter stainless steel corrosion-resistant hollow coil
4 1/4-inch diameter rubber or silicone adaptors to connect coil and hose
Water cooler thermostat
Aquarium with filter or protein skimmer

Instructions

- 1
  Attach the thermostat to the water tank of the electrical water dispenser, according to manufacturer's directions. Set the temperature to match the recommended environmental conditions for your fish and coral.
- 2
  Remove the water tank that sits atop the electrical water dispenser.
- 3
  Move the electrical water dispenser next to or behind the aquarium. Make sure the outlet and intake hoses are readily accessible on the top or exposed side of the aquarium's filter in case you need to replace them.
- 4
  Attach a cold water intake hose to the water pump on one end and then to one of the ends of the stainless steel coil. Attach an outlet water hose to the open end of the stainless steel coil. Secure the hoses to the coil using the rubber or silicone adapters. Be sure to place the coil on a clean towel or other surface free of soap or other chemical residue that can kill fish and coral.
- 5
  Place the water pump with the supply hoses attached into the open water container of the electrical water dispenser. Be sure the supply hose that is not attached to the water pump is submersed in the water of the electrical water dispenser. This hose will take up the water pumped back into the electrical water dispenser and send it back through the coil.
- 6
  Lower the stainless steel coil, which has the hoses attached, directly into the tank or into the filter or protein skimmer. This will cool the water in the aquarium down by circulating cold water through the stainless steel coil.

Animals & Science