Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Dear Mr. Goemans,
I recently came across a product review on the IceProbe, mfg. by Coolworks Inc., that you had written for FAMA a few years ago while thinning out my magazine collection. I was wondering if you could answer a few questions about this product for me. I'll give you a quick run-down of my tank setup.
I changed jobs this past spring and decided to set up a 20 gallon high reef tank in my new office. All was well until the summer heat arrived. I have just a window A/C unit in my office which I don't run in the evenings or on weekends. We had two major heat waves this year in Maine and most of my reef critters didn't survive the heat (even with a fan blowing across the surface of the water). Even on cooler days, the tank temperature would bounce around. After I read your product review, I wondered if the IceProbe might be a good solution to the heat issue.
I checked out the Coolworks website but they don't give much information. I thought you might be of better help since you have used the unit. I was wondering if they still sell the Proportional Thermoelectric Controller as I didn't see it listed on the website? They now list the Fan Controller Board as a way to adjust the level of cold output. Is this device different from the controller? If so, is the control board attached to the top surface of the probe?
Also, does the IceProbe maintain a constant temperature and is there anyway to adjust the temperature (like a thermostat)? I know it runs constantly with the muffin fan rotating faster with more output. I would like to set it up and let it run without having to constantly adjust the settings. I think I remember reading once that someone mounted the IceProbe on the lid of a Hagen AquaClear hang-on power filter. Does this sound like an effective way to use it?
And one last, unrelated question. I subscribed to a monthly aquarium magazine, Marine Fish Monthly, and stopped receiving issues this past winter. After several attempts at contacting the publishing company, I was told they were having problems shipping the magazine to certain areas of the east and west coasts and that my issues should arrive soon. That was in February. I haven't heard one word from the publishing company since. I was wondering if you had heard any rumors about this magazine? I gave up a long time ago on the hope of receiving a refund on my subscription (about 7 months left on it).
Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Jason Bartlett
Hi Jason,
MFM is out of business. After many emails and calls I finally asked the local authorities to checkout the company. A police official called to say the editor had taken extremely ill and was not expected to live. The place is shut down as of now.
You may want to contact Freshwater Aquariums and Marine Aquariums (FAMA) and subscribe, as I have a monthly column in that magazine called Sand-Mail. Call Susan, 800-523-1736
I also write for a Marine only magazine in the UK called Marine World. You can contact their Editor for subscription info at lizdonlan@marineworldmagazine.com
As for IceProbe, it could well be that one unit may solve your summer heat problem. Of course that all depends upon just how hot the environment gets in your office. Why not call the owner of the company, Brian Rabe and chat with him as to latest changes to the device. In fact I just called him at (415) 485-5552 and he said the Proportional Thermoelectric Controller is still available. He will tell you about the latest changes to the device, which sound interesting. Also, if you would like, his email address is brian@coolworksink.com.
As for locating the unit in/through a hood or sheet of plastic, that's quite possible, but the logistics of any set-up need to be taken into consideration. But the way I described in my review of the product worked well.
Checkout my website at www.saltcorner.com. The review of this product is posted on my site.
Hope this helps, and give me some feedback.
Bob
