Boyu · Chiller
C Series Chiller
- Tank size
- 50–600 L
Planted tanks and shrimp tanks in hot climates that regularly creep above safe temperatures.
3 models
Gear catalogue · 7 cooling
Aquarium cooling, compared properly
Fans and chillers for tanks that run too warm. From Boyu, Chihiros, Eheim, SunSun. Match them to your tank, then put up to four side by side.
TL;DR, choosing aquarium cooling
Planted tanks tend to overheat in summer and under strong lights, and warm water holds less oxygen and less CO2 just when plants and fish need more. A clip-on fan blowing across the surface is the cheap fix: evaporation can pull the temperature down 2 to 4 °C, at the cost of topping up more often. A chiller is the serious option for hot climates, shrimp tanks and cold-water plants. It sits inline on the canister and holds a set temperature, but it costs more, needs space and ventilation, and uses real power.
How to choose
- A fan is enough if the tank only creeps 2 to 3 °C over target on hot days.
- Size a chiller by tank volume and how far below room temperature you need to go.
- Chillers need airflow around them; a closed cabinet will defeat them.
- Top up with RO or dechlorinated water when using fans, evaporation concentrates minerals.
Boyu · Chiller
CW / LN Series Chiller
- Tank size
- 500–3000 L
Very large display tanks or multi-tank systems in warm climates.
4 models
Boyu · Cooling fan
FS Series Cooling Fan
Cheap, low-power summer cooling for small and medium tanks that only run a couple of degrees too warm.
8 models
Boyu · Chiller
LS Series Chiller
Keepers who want year-round temperature control from one box on a medium to large tank.
6 models
Chihiros · Cooling fan
Cooling Fan (Bluetooth Edition)
- Power
- 2.8 W
Planted and shrimp tanks that creep too warm in summer or under strong lights.
1 model
Eheim · Chiller
climacontrol+
- Tank size
- up to 2000 L
- Power
- 260–400 W
Big planted tanks in warm rooms or hot climates where summer temperatures push past 28 °C.
3 models
SunSun · Chiller
HYH-D Aquarium Chiller
- Tank size
- up to 580 L
Tanks in hot rooms or with cool-water species that climb above safe temperatures in summer.
3 models
Frequently asked questions
Straight answers to the questions people ask most when choosing aquarium cooling.
How do I cool down a hot aquarium?
Turn the lights down or shorten the photoperiod, open the lid, and point a fan across the surface. That usually buys 2 to 4 °C. If the room itself is hot for months, a chiller is the reliable answer.
Do cooling fans really work?
Yes, through evaporation. The trade-off is water loss, often a litre or more a day on a medium tank, so top up regularly with clean water.
What temperature is too hot for a planted tank?
Most tropical fish cope to about 28 °C, but many plants and Caridina shrimp start to struggle above 26 °C, and oxygen drops as it warms. Aim to keep summer peaks below 28 °C.
Do I need a chiller for shrimp?
For Caridina in a warm climate, often yes. Neocaridina are much more tolerant and usually manage with a fan.
Keep reading
Other gear
Specs come from the maker or a major retailer’s listing and are checked where we can. Makers revise products, so confirm the figures on the product page before you buy. Product photos are supplied by the brands and their distributors.