Water temperature

[DonRW2001]

Hi. I have a (fairly) well established reef tank of 120 gallons with a 30 gallon sump. Been in the hobby two years and haven't had a major catastrophe, though I've been through my share of livestock. Good skimmer, 520 watts of PC lighting, ~150 lbs of live rock, etc. My nitrate routinely runs high though I think this is a function of additives causing false high readings. I just bought a digital thermometer and am now aware that my temp is averaging ~81 degrees (with very moderate fluctuation). I've read that this is O.K. though not optimal - again good success with most livestock (fish, LPS, ricordea, various inverts). Not much success with SPS (killed a Birdsnest or two). Should I be concerned with temp?

DRW

 

[Anonymous]

81 is fine, but like you said, not optimal. I'd try to get it below 80 if possible.

What additives are you using that is causing the nitrate spike?

And by the way, :welcome:

Louey

 

[ritchie1]

During the summer my tank goes up to 83 F, with no noticeable detrimental effect on the corals. I think it is more important to keep the temperature as stable as possible, as long as it doesn't go above 83 F.

 

[shaunw60]

I am slowing working on cooling down my system without the use of a chiller. I have installed three 12v computer fans in my canopy to exhaust heat when the four VHO's come on. This has helped temp spikes greatly. Also, a simple clip on fan blowing across the return area in my sump has also helped.

Try installing some fans and you will see a reduction in your temperature.

 

[ritchie1]

I don't cover my aquariums and just use ordinary electric fans to blow air across the surface of the water(and the lights). This reduces temperature by 3-4 degrees Celsius. When this is not enough, i turn on the room airconditioner.

 

[Charlesr1958]

Going below 80 is not a great idea, none of the corals that are shipped out of the main collecting area (indo pacific) ever see average temps in the 70's, the lower to mid 80's are what the vast majority of corals evolved in, live in, and grew in. Makes no sense to put them into lower temps.

A great temperature and salinity article

Chuck

 

[Anonymous]

I shoot for right around 80.

 

[stilmas]

I agree with low to mid 80's. I've been running my tank for years at 82-83F. It has gone up to 85-86F once or twice in the past and everything was fine. around 90F is where things start to melt down IME.