Heater Died, Spare...Died

What is the minimum heat that won't effect the life of my tank? My heater just died, I put the spare in that i had in my tank that was for making live sand and that died as well (this one wasn't water proof )? So I got in the car drove 40 miles to a town with at least a Walmart and a Miejer looking for a temp solution and they were both closed for Xmas :-/. I wont be able to get one till tomorrow and my water seems to be holding steady at 74F however now the light is off for the night. Should I be worried? If it can hold off i'd rather try to get one online so I can get something decent.

 

You can maybe turn the heat up in the house so the ambient air is warmer because the water will pick that heat up. If you are getting a new heater make sure it is a Titanium heater and not a glass on. If a glass on ever breaks and it doesn't throw the breaker you are going to have soup cooking in your tank.. :-/

 

what all is in tank?

 

If worse comes to worse, turn the tank lights on to act as a heater. It's not optimal but if it keeps your temp at least 70-72 then your good.

 

2 Devils fingers
Green mushrooms
small yellow polyops? (i'll have to post a pick one of these days)
1 Kenya tree
1 yellow tang
1 blenny
5 assorted damsels

What is the lowest temp where I should start to worry? Matter of fact what is optimal temp? I usually keep it around 78F

 

Like Otty said turn up heat in house and it will help keep tank warm enough till you can get a heater. Lights will also help if left on.

 

How big is the tank? Fill water bottles with hot water and float them.

 

very good suggestion. + karma!

I use frozen water bottles for cooling it down, so warming it up should be the same...just opposite;D


you probably would want to keep a very close eye on the temp to make sure it doesn't go too high too!

 

natural reef temps have been recorded as low as 56 f anything above 86 f bleaching will occur. temps can range from 72-83 in a reef tank. 77 f being optimal for most corals. there is a lengthy discussion involving temperature, photosynthesis, water flow, and oxygen. my reef tank is 81 f

 

Yet another example of,"if it is going to fail, it is going to do so at a most inconvenient time..."

I think this is a "Tangster Rule"

When everything is closed, when power out all over, while on vacation, etc....

Way too true ... experienced this unfortunately too many times during 20 year career as a Army aviator (helicopters) - (still have nightmares about) :-/

Keep spare everything that is critical to maintaining aquarium...pumps, heater, power strips, bulbs, etc. --- Check regularly for good operation/maintenance.

Always have a "power out" plan.

If you have a generator, insure to start it up once a month. --- Nothing would be more anguishing then having one around for long time then having it not run at a time when you need it.

Leave "emergency action plan" for anyone watching over tank in your absence.

"BE PREPARED!"

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