SPS and Temperature

[ricky1414]

I recently revamped my system after my 10 gal sprung a leak about a month ago. (whole 'nother story that I aint getting into) I have a few questions, but here are my specs:

20gal high
25 lbs LR
2 1/2 -3" Sand Bed
2 MJ 1200 PH's
POS skimmer- ordered a cpr, should be here shortly
1 250w 20k mh in a pendant (elevated approx 10 inches)
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1 Clarkii
1 peppermint shrimp (not eating aiptasia BTW :x )
8 assorted snails
5 blue leg hermits
bunch of soft coral, zoos, and 1 monti cap
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tank temp is 79-80
SG is 1.025
Ammonia 0
Nitrites 0
Nitrates less than 5ppm
Calcium approx 420
water changes and topoff are RO/DI

Ok, now on to the question
#1. My tank maintains 79-80 with the metal halides on (have a small fan blowing across the open top, but a guy at an LFS I go to(which up till now has been reputable) tells me that if I do not run a chiller to maintain 76-77 degrees, I will RTN my SPS???? He then explains to me that they have chillers on sale, like 5-10% off, and offers to pull one down for me. Do I really need to be running at 76-76 degrees? I couldnt get that temp on my old 50gal with PC only lighting. :evil:
#2. The same guy tells me that there is no way I could maintain proper calcium levels by dosing alone. Again points to said inventory(an $800 reactor, less any CO2 equipment) and says that I need that. I don't wanna full blown SPS tank, only a few for reasons of pure "full reef integration." (is that a word?)

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks a bunch

 

[Unarce]

I wouldn't necessarily discredit your LFS reputation because they're trying to sell you something. That's their job. Whether or not you need a chiller depends on a number of factors. You've mentioned your lighting and the size of your tank. Other factors in and around your home are seasonal temps, ventilation, & air-conditioning.

A chiller for a 20g is IMO overkill unless we're talking of the thermoelectric type. At best, a thermoelectric chiller will have a pull down of 10 degrees. A decent fan could have a pull down of 6-8 degrees.

I don't think a reef tank needs to be at 76. My SPS tank hover between 77-79 during the summer with just an IceCap fan. My LFS will let theirs get as high as 84 which I wouldn't recommend, but I'd say you're safe if you can maintain 79-80.

 

[fishfanatic2]

I think yoru temp should be fine. I also think that in that size tank you will have plenty of calcium by dosing. A reactor is more appropriate on larger tanks where you could go through 1 bottle of calcium in less than a few days.

 

[Juck]

What a crock,, this guy must be desperate for a sale.

My tanks run 82-83 in the Summer and the SPS' are doing just fine thanks,, they don't look any happier or grow any quicker when the tank runs 77 in the Winter.

I don't think I've ever heard of anyone running a Calcium reactor for a 20 gal display tank,,,, maintaining Ca levels by dosing two-part or kalk in a 20 is about as difficult as putting on a hat.

 

[Unarce]

I think yoru temp should be fine. I also think that in that size tank you will have plenty of calcium by dosing. A reactor is more appropriate on larger tanks where you could go through 1 bottle of calcium in less than a few days.

Good point. It wouldn't be cost effective trying to maintain calcium/alk with additives in a 150g reef.

 

[ricky1414]

I think i also found an answer to my own question. my heater was set at 79 degrees. i lowered it to 77, now my tank is at 77ish degrees. This morning, i also lowered the pendant to 7 inches over the water, as I am done acclimating the corals to the light. Temperature is still rock steady.
If it does get too hot during the summer, I can always run an Ice probe to bring it down.. Always a good excuse to set up a mini refugium in an AC-500.

 

[ricky1414]

BTW, thanks guys for the input, I was kinda freaking out.
Here's my $6.99 Walmart fan, LOL.

 

[Unarce]

Are you breaking in a new bulb? It's a lot bluer than my XM 20K 250W DE.

 

[ricky1414]

yeah, its a brand new bulb

 

[rocknut]

To my understanding, keeping a stable temp is more important than anything, especially with SPS corals. I know there are alot of people that keep SPS tanks at 83-84 to raise metabolism, and push growth. Where corals that are used to 84 drop into the 70's they can bleach, just like corals that are maintained at 76 rise into the low 80's they too can bleach. As long as you can keep a constant temp, without huge swings, that is the key. I know that if you read any books from 10 years ago, it was set in stone that 76 degrees was the law, but most things you see now seem to say around 80. Personally, I think you are good to go as long as your fan keeps your temp where it is now.

 

[hillbilly]

My sps tanks are always 80-82. Have been for several years. I agree, as long as you don't have wild temp. swings, no problem.

 

[NewMan]

Abit offtopic. What is the temp swing that is generally accepted for a sps tank?

My temp swing from 80-84 :? is this too much?

BTW...IMO..76 is way too cold :roll:

 

[Anonymous]

78-82 are perfect IMO. But I agree that a steady temp without a swing of more than 2 degrees per day. My tank hits 85 or so during a heat wave and I have never had a problem with my sps.

 

[Johnsteph10]

I keep my 120gal sps at 79-82 without much variation. Never had a problem!

Everyone's right -- it isn't necessarily the degree of temperature that is so important, it is the stabililty. Just like human beings, corals are made to live at a decent range of temps, but do best at a constant temp. Remember what you feel like when you have a fever? How about when you're really cold? Either way, the body is under stress and spends a considerable amount of energy just for temp regulation. For coral, all that energy is spent sliming and being stressed.

John

 

[KorbinDallas]

My SPS have been growing in water over 80 for a year with no problems.

I'll say this though - I lowered it recently to 78 and my euphilias seem much happier. *shrug*

IN NO WAY does that warrant spending any money on a chiller. You can SIGNIFICANTLY lower your temp with some well-placed fans on a small tank.

 

[fishfanatic2]

Yah, chillers, while very useful and necessary in certain applications, arent necessary for a degree or 2 and they cost a number thats yay big. :wink:

 

[reefland]

I keep my tanks at 82. During the summer months it averages 84 to 86 with peaks to 89. If I catch it going over 86 I kill the lights. Nothing much to worry about. On the other hand if I could, I'd like to keep it at 82 all year.

 

[Anonymous]

According to Dr.Ron 82 would be the perfect temp. His research says that most coral growth is found within areas with a constant temp of 82-87 with an average of 84. He also says that corals grow most rapidly in water 82-84. Plus tanks maintained at a higher temp are more resistant to high temp spikes.

 

[ricky1414]

Thanks for the info Anenomebuff and everyone.