Preparing Your Desktop Aquarium for Summer: Tips to Beat the Heat
- PNW Custom
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
As the temperatures rise, your desktop aquarium can start to feel the heat: literally. While small aquariums are perfect for tight spaces and are often easier to maintain, they can also be more susceptible to temperature swings, especially during the summer months. At PNW Custom, we’re all about helping you create stable, thriving environments for your aquatic inhabitants, no matter the season.
Here are our top tips for preparing your desktop tank for summer, including how to beat the heat with cooling and smart accessories.
1. Monitor Your Water Temperature Closely
Small tanks heat up faster than larger ones, and with electronics like pumps and lights running throughout the day, internal temperatures can creep higher than what is ideal. For most reef tanks, 75–80°F is the sweet spot. Anything consistently above 84°F can start to stress corals and fish.
We recommend using a reliable temperature probe to keep an eye on daily fluctuations, especially in rooms without consistent climate control.
2. Use a Cooling Kit for Natural Evaporative Cooling
One of the most effective ways to cool your desktop aquarium is by using a cooling kit, which includes a small, quiet fan that blows across the water surface. This process helps drop the temperature by 3 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a powerful passive solution for nano reef tanks. It’s a safe and compact way to manage heat.
3. Pair It with an Auto Top Off (ATO)
Evaporative cooling works well, but it comes with a catch: more frequent water loss. As water evaporates, it leaves behind salt, increasing salinity in saltwater tanks and lowering the waterline across the board.
To keep your system stable and your corals or shrimp happy, we recommend pairing your cooling kit with a Micro Aquarium Auto Top Off (ATO). An ATO automatically replenishes evaporated water with fresh RO water, keeping your water level and salinity stable with minimal effort on your part. By using our ATO reservoir, you can achieve 2 weeks and more without needing to manually top off.
4. Move Your Tank Away from Sunlight and Heat Sources
Direct sunlight and proximity to appliances like computers or air vents can quickly increase tank temperatures. Try relocating your tank to a cooler spot in your home, or use blackout film or light-blocking shades to reduce thermal load without compromising your viewing experience.
Keep Your Tank Cool All Summer Long
Keeping a stable environment for your tank inhabitants during the summer isn’t hard, it just requires a bit of planning. With tools like cooling kits and auto top offs, you can easily manage rising temperatures without daily babysitting.
PNW Custom is here to help you create a worry-free reef or freshwater setup, so you can focus on enjoying your tank, even in the heat of summer.
Ready to beat the heat?
