is 83 too hot or do i need a chiller

[BYU]

lately ive been noticing my tank running hotter than normal, right now im running leds with fans on top and over the sump
my tank ranges from 78-83 in the summer with central ac in the house
Im pretty new to the sps thing but so far things are thriving.
do you guys think low 80s is too hot? should i get a chiller and if so does it need to be oversized like a protein skimmer (rated bigger than what size tank i actually have) or can i get away with a smaller one. Not to be cheap but these things are expensive and big I dont have a lot a room near the tank and im dreading the nightmare of installing the thing in the basement
or
the other option was to cut a whole in my central ac and vent it to the top canopy but i know that will also be a project and a half and not sure if it would work.

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[kalapnath]

that's a bit too high the highest i let mines go to is 80 to 81 recommended water temp is about 79 you might want to try opening your canopy or even adding some fans to the top of your tank and the sump if you have one then if that doesn't help you might need a chiller ...........................
After a while 83 is going to affect the corals...............

 

[xxxAngeloxxx]

Wow whats size is that? It looks amazing im guessing a 180G?


Additected To MR =D Lol

 

[batt600]

In the natural Reef temp can reach as high as 84 Deg . 83 Deg is fine as long as you dont go over 84 Deg. Best way to see if that temp is not good for your tank is to monitor your ph if its fine then your good if it drops then you need to lower your temp.

 

[lfsmarineguy]

Wild reef temps vary depending on location but the warmest can go beyond 85 and happen to be the most biologically diverse, with the average temp resting between 82 and 83. Just because the wild peak is that high doesn't mean that the life in your tank will thrive at that point. I would say 83 is fine as long as your inhabitants look ok and unstressed and the swing in temp isn't huge. I also would try to keep it at 83 max so you aren't flirting with dangerous temps above 85. Chillers aren't always the answer, especially if you can't install it properly where it vents into an area other than the one the tank is in. Your best bet might be a fan, just on the hot days where the tank might go over 83. A large oscillating fan placed about 2' from the front glass can help or a small fan vent over the tank somewhere can help alleviate some of the heat stuck in the canopy. Fans are cheaper and in some cases can be far more effective than a chiller.

I wouldn't worry about 83 too much though as long as everyone in the tank seems unstressed and the temp swings aren't too drastic.

 

[BYU]

Thanks for the replies
My tank is 210
I m running the fans on apex controller doesn't go over 83 but lately hovering around 80-82
I've been noticing my ph around 7.8 lately wasn't sure if the temp was affecting it but I guess so
Do u think dosing Kalk would help

 

[lfsmarineguy]

What are your other levels at? If your other levels are good you might be better off dosing a PH buffer. I like the dry reef buffers from Seachem since they won't cause calcium to precipitate.

If your fans are running off the apex and they are keeping the max at 83 I wouldn't worry too much unless we get an especially hot day, but it sounds like it's fine to me. I wouldn't worry about it. Once you get the PH back up where it's supposed to be and as long as your other levels are good you might even see an increase in growth.

 

[BYU]

thanks
im gonna some buffer tomorrow

 

[lfsmarineguy]

Just make sure it's a good one like Seachem, not all buffer is created equal.

 

[fab1971]

My tank runs at 80-83 (on really hot days), with an average of 81-82. Everything in my tank is thriving, healthy and growing well (sps, lps + softies). I wouldn't worry too much unless you have large swings and as long as you have good circulation.

 

[LatinP]

An 83 degree temp is fine... for a few hours. If you're temp doesn't come down very often and stays in that range you'll be doing yourself and your animals a huge favor by getting a chiller or at least adding a few extra fans.

 

[NYCrooner]

My 14gl BC was running really hot during the cycle a couple of weeks ago (83-85) but last week I picked up a Zoo Med Aqua cooling fan and now the temps are 79-81. Mind you it was super hot this 4th of July weekend so it was a perfect test. I was very concerned that I'd have to purchase a chiller but the fan has been heaven sent. Evaporation is an issue but not a big deal. Might not be sufficient for a tank of your size but just an idea.

 

[ecchybridLE]

I'd say temp is high , but ok. More important is that your not having huge temperature swings. A three degree temp swing through out the day and night could be a problem for some corals. Especially sps.

 

[Chris Jury]

You may want to check out my article (The Great Temperate Debate, Part IV) in the upcoming summer issue of Reefs Magazine, published here. I discuss the questions you're wrestling with in some depth. Suffice to say, I don't think it's necessary to invest in a chiller, but I'd keep an eye on the temp and make sure you're consistently maxing out at < 84 F...with a possible exception I discuss in the article. Summer can be a tense time of year

cj

 

[pecan2phat]

84 degrees had triggered a massive RTN event for SPS colonies in the past for my tank more then once. I no longer let the water temperature reach above 80 for the past 2 years.

 

[ryangrieder]

My tank has been running 86 degrees for half a month now. I've been keeping a close eye on it, but have everything from fans blowing on it, to small cold water changes. No harm yet, but I cannot afford a chiller, so I'm just going to have to keep an eye on it...

 

[ming]

I used to keep mine 82 or lower, now I try for 81 or lower. SPS and heat doesn't mix so well. Softies and some LPS are more forgiving

 

[jellymunk]

i keep mine at 79-80 at all time. i think 2-3 degree swings (under 84) are fine. and sps don't tolerate high temp. nor large swing very well.

 

[JARRETT SHARK]

BYU 83 is to high IMO for any sps, Sps do not like any changes in temp and if you want to have no problems with RTN i would get a chiller.I lost alot of frags in my frag tank due to temps itting 83. What if outside hits 95-100 deg and your tank is on the border line and no room for any error.
With your tank a 1/2 hp is fine since you run central a/c. If you went smaller it would run all the time and the elctric bill will be to the roof. Before buying one I would first see if you have the power for one and would keep it off a seprate breaker in case it trips.
Try cutting into the AC first if you can and run a flex pipe blowing down into your canopy or even hitting the water. You pumps must give off alot of heat