Bumped up tank temp

So, I picked up the full Apex around Christmas and it's been running my lights since then. I've been using the tank heaters and their built in control for that aspect of things mostly out of being lazy. I was monitoring the tank temps with the Apex. I consistently ran around 76*. Well, today I decided it was finally time to run it through the Apex. I also decided to bump the temps up to 79.5* - 80.5* on the Apex. This 1* swing was less than I was getting with just the heaters (typically 2-3* randomly, but always between 75 - 78). I have noticed the fish are loving the warmer water. They're out and swimming like never before. I do keep my Biocube at around 80, but the 90... I hadn't really worried about since I thought 76 was ok.

Is this expected? I'm also wondering if this is part of the reason my RBTAs don't like the 90 gallon tank. I've lost 3 small clones so far in it. Good thing I had 8 in the Biocube. (They were about half dollar sized).

I should mention, I also ordered an MP40 that should get here this week for super awesome flow. I have a pair of decent powerheads right now... but not MP40 awesome.

 

Yes, you should see an improvement in fish activity as well as overall health and growth of corals, nems, etc. Fact is, reefs and their inhabitants don't see temps in the 70s.

 

So should I bump it up even higher? I worry about getting too high. I do have a back up heater that won't let the tank go below 78 (I reset it) in case my primary fails. I've been rather pleased with how much more active they are.

 

No. 78 - 82 puts everything in the "comfort zone" while keeping our tanks manageable. While natural reefs range from 85 to near 90, it would be impractical to keep our tanks that warm. One major problem is oxygen- the warmer the water, the less it can hold, and our little glass boxes lack the megamillion acres of surface area for gas exchange. Another is that disease, parasites, etc can multiply and spread much more rapidly. Algae also loves warmer water...

 

Yeah, I have my skimmer running 24/7 to help out with the dissolved oxygen. I suppose 80 is right in the middle of that range. I wonder how much better off corals/anemones will do with that temp. I was pretty defeated when the living RBTAs died within 2 weeks of being transferred... considering I use the water change water from the 90 for the Biocube water changes.

 

I've always kept all my tanks at 79 and everything has done quite well. While it's a bit lower than what most tropical life is used to, they can still adapt. 76, OTOH, is nearing cold water range.

 

FWIW I keep my 28 nano at 76.6-77. Still early on, but so far all fish, inverts, and corals seem just fine. I have a BSJ in there, which is why I go with the lower temp.