Hi There, The water temp in my reservoir seems to be fluctuation (getting warm and cooling off back to room temperature). I have not yet been able to monitor it over time and associate it to anything. Any clues as to what this could be? Cuold it be the pumps? Pumps are EcoPlus 132 GPH pumps. Tank is a 10 gallon Igloo cooler. Circulation pump and air pump run 24x7. the irrigation pump runs 4 times a day for about a minute each. It waters 4 plants via 8 drip stakes. Return line water seems to be fine (not warm) and I have not yet tied the heat build up to the watering schedule. Thanks for any clues.
The lights heat the medium in the planters, the water runs through the medium, the water warms up. This would be very little variation I would think, how much fluctuation are we talking? Is the room a constant temp?
I can't tell you what's causing it, but if it turns out to be a problem then check this shit out... The Ice Probe...its a miniature water chiller, unlike big units that cost around $400 I think this is about $100 or less. Its is made for small aquariums, but would work perfect for a hydro reservoir.
I poked my finger into the coco and also felt the water by hand returning durring a watering because I had the same thought - that the light was cooking the water in the grow medium. Nothing is collecting anywhere else that would make enough of a difference (plumbing etc.). Is there an inexpensive way to monitor temperatures (water, air humidity) over time using a pc? that would help diagnose the issue. that chiller looks neat.