Reef Temp at 72F..too Cold??

Discussion in 'General Reef Topics' started by HollyG, May 10, 2012.

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  1. HollyG

    HollyG Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    So, I just placed everything from my 10gal to a 20gal and my heater is one of those submersable ones that automatically sets the temperature by itself. It kept the temp in the 10gal at 79F and everything was happy. Now in a larger tank (this heater is rated for a 15-30gal tanks) it is only keeping the temp at 72F. Is that too cold? I will be picking up a new heater tomorrow if need be. 72F just seems a little on the colder side for a reef.
     
    HollyG, May 10, 2012
    HollyG, May 10, 2012
    #1

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  2. Nu-Nu

    Nu-Nu Bubble Tip Anemone

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    I mean it MIGHT be ok, but i would definitly get your temp up to 78-79 ish. Is it possible that because the heater is small it takes a while for it to heat up the whole tank? It might just need some time :)
     
    Nu-Nu, May 10, 2012
    Nu-Nu, May 10, 2012
    #2
  3. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

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    Id say thats WAY to cold! I would get that tank up to 77 or so...
     
    Biocube, May 10, 2012
    Biocube, May 10, 2012
    #3
  4. HollyG

    HollyG Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    So, it turns out that the thermometer I was using was crap. I wasn't using the same one I was using in the 10gal. The temp is actually sitting at 76F. Should I consider getting a more powerful heater tomorrow anyway? Or should this be ok?
     
    HollyG, May 10, 2012
    HollyG, May 10, 2012
    #4
  5. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

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    I have 150 watts on my BC29, I had 50 at first but some nights my tank would hit 76 so I added another 100 watts as a backup.
     
    Biocube, May 10, 2012
    Biocube, May 10, 2012
    #5
  6. SAY

    SAY Ocellaris Clown

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    i'm not familiar with that style of heater but i would want one that allows me to set the temperature. i like to keep my tank in the 79 - 80 range.
     
    SAY, May 11, 2012
    SAY, May 11, 2012
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  7. 1.0reef

    1.0reef Giant Squid

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    I prefer 74-77 degrees. 72 is better for deep water corals/fish (i.e. Pseudanthias ventralis)
     
    1.0reef, May 11, 2012
    1.0reef, May 11, 2012
    #7
  8. HollyG

    HollyG Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    That was the temp last night with no lights on. The temp is now stable at 77F with no lights. It may get warmer when the T5's come on but I have never had too much heat transfer from my T5's.
     
    HollyG, May 11, 2012
    HollyG, May 11, 2012
    #8
  9. HollyG

    HollyG Teardrop Maxima Clam

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    Yea, I know what you mean. I never had this kind of heater before, so I figured I would try it, but I think I'm going to go pick up one I can set the temp myself. I feel safer with those lol
     
    HollyG, May 11, 2012
    HollyG, May 11, 2012
    #9
  10. pink4miss

    pink4miss Panda Puffer

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    i would pick up the right sized heater for the water volume. keep in mind right now its not to cold and days are warmer. when it gets colder and house heat is lower, that heater will not be able to keep the water at 76 . since the lower the temp is of the room the more the heater has to work.
     
    pink4miss, May 11, 2012
    pink4miss, May 11, 2012
    #10
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