Thoughts on Tank Water Temp

We have had a "gazillion" posts, polls, opinions and arguments on best average tank water temps should be kept at.

Have been a couple of charts posted showing wide range of water temps actually on So. Pacific Reefs over year period (Figi, etc), with temporary 'spikes' even higher or lower. (Lower 70's to mid 80's) "...some species in the Arabian Sea regularly encounter temperatures of 36°C (96.8°F)..." (Encarta)

Anyway, point is reef creatures can tolerate and thrive in a much wider range of temps then we normally assume possible. It is "sudden" or a quick change that can stress out corals and fish. And of course long periods of being exposed to extreme ends of temperature ranges can result in coral bleaching and fish deaths.

I try to keep tanks average water temps around 76 degrees in Summer and 80-82 degrees in Winter. Why? --- seems within average range of temps recommended or used by members here on 3Reef. Fish/Corals seem to be happy and healthy in doing so.

Keeping at lower end in summer months leaves a margin of safety in event of a unplanned overtemp event. (i.e. extreme temp days, or AC/Chiller fails, power failure...etc)

Keeping water temps at higher end in winter also provides a margin of safety in event of lowtemp event...(extremely cold spell, power falilure, heater malfunction)

In addition, if you think about it, will save a substantial amount of $$$ in energy costs.

I often chuckle at thoughts of those who during warm summer months use tank heaters to maintain their tanks temperature 80+ plus, while running AC in living room to stay cool...:-/

Think of tank being a large heater/cooler in room. Will certainly have significant effect on surrounding room temp. Warmer tank water in winter will cause less heat needed to heat surrounding space. Cooler tank temp will result in less need for room cooling in summer.

Statements or opinions about "best tank water temp" --- are just that "opinion" or what poster has found for themselves based on experience to keep tank happy. May be different for larger/smaller tanks, what kind of fish/corals....

Water temp levels stated in posts are for "normal stable temps" Would be more natural to have higher temps at midday and lower temps at midnight. Tank heaters on timers may be called for...

PS: Fish like some available shade also. Somewhere I have pic of just about all open water swimming fish in my tank, hanging out together under shade of large toadstool around midday, taking break from bright lights...

Will post when found...


IMHO

;D

Coral Reefs

 

I keep mine at 79 degrees running on a chiller...
I find it way too expensive to keep it any lower... the 1/6hp on my 72 gallon... is set at 76... however... there is that degree of margin between the unit and chiller.
The good news, it never fluctuates hardly in the main tank... 79... even with t5 lighting
ryan

 

Oh yes...should have mentioned I live in PNW where outdoor temps stay pretty mild summer and winter...("location" - one more variable)

 

I'm a newbe so this probably doesn't mean much--but my tank was kept at 75 until it got hot here [ Fl], now it runs at about 78. Everything seems to be happy, although I don't have much in it right now.

 

My runs at a constant 80F

 

I run mine between 79.1 to 79.5 all year long. Never change the controller for the chiller during the summer or winter.

 

Mine stays between 78.2 and 79.2.......

 

Mine stays at 79 unless it's really hot outside (we've had 100+ days here). No one seems to be affected when the temp spikes.

I hear you on teh fish needing shade. I have a "bridge" made with rock in my tank and my little fishies like to hang out underneath it (or in it).

 

my 55 reef is at 80
12 at 76

 

Mine runs 77.2 to 78.2 at 76.5 heaters come on just incase the House A/C pulls it lower then the 77.2 set point..