Temperature questions?

[surgeonfish]

I was wondering what temperature everyone is keeping their reef tanks at?

I have mine at 77. Is this too cold for most corals? When diving in the tropics the water temp is usually >80. I was just reading Eirc Borneman's Aquarium Corals - and he thinks the temp should be 82-84.

Also what is everyones temperature fluctuations? I added a second 400W MH after Christmas and my temp goes from 77 in the morning to 79 (never seen it 80) by early evening after the MH are off. Is this too much of a daily temperature fluctuation? Should I be using a chiller?

Tanks

[Der_Iron_Chef]

Mine is at 81 during the day and it goes down to about 79.5 at night.

[Borderjumper]

Mine runs 81-82 with the MH's on, and drops a degree or 2 during the night. I dont thinka couple of degree fluctuation is a big deal as long as it is gradual.

I wouldnt think a chiller is needed for a 79 degree tank.

[Kronk]

I think its consistency is more than actual temperature, anything between 76 - 82 should be fine as long as it doesnt fluctuate by more than a degree.

[Tangman]

Originally Posted by Kronk

I think its consistency is more than actual temperature, anything between 76 - 82 should be fine as long as it doesnt fluctuate by more than a degree.

BINGO !

[KrazyKuch]

Originally Posted by Kronk

I think its consistency is more than actual temperature, anything between 76 - 82 should be fine as long as it doesnt fluctuate by more than a degree.

I don't know about that....I keep my tank at 80 on the button, and at night it usually drops to 79 degrees...

Last summer I had my tank go for 80 in the morning to near 87 degrees by the time night came around and had no ill effects at all, fish were fine coral growth slowed down alot but other then that it was fine.....(Stupid +30 weather)

[justinl]

Im going to have to agree with Konk. Think about the natural ocean. Temperature can vary a bit over depth and area but temperature always is constant and fluctuates virtually not at all throughout 24hrs.

Krazykuch, where do you keep your tank if you don't mind me asking? Is it by a large window or a heating vent? I think 7 degrees is quite a fluctuation in a single day.

[Reefer Rob]

81 is my target, but it it fluctuates +/- 1 degree.

Natural reef temperatures fluctuate 5 or 6 degrees seasonally, but probably only change 2 or 3 decreases during the course of a day in the top 5' of water.

When you snorkel in the shallows over the reef mid-day it is quite a bit warmer than in the valleys between.

[Doug]

I also run at 77. My corals are just fine, plus its the desired range for my angel. There are as many advanced aquarists who agree with the lower range of temps, as those that say we need to stay at 80 to 82 range.

Many stay higher because thats the temp. it stays closest to with halides in a hood, etc. I have an open top, so no problem keeping my cooler and my heaters work less.

[BCOrchidGuy]

I aim for the mid to high 70s, I've got my ebo set at 76ish and so far it's holding fine. With the warm weather I expect the tank to go well above 80 but I hope to buy an airconditioner to help keep the living room in the area of 80F.

Doug