Temp importance

fisheater · 12/09/2013, 09:27 AM

We keep our house 71ish this time of year. My tank heater is off (unplugged) and the temp is in the 80-81 range. Im sure the 2 powerheads and 3 pumps must have some effect but I would expect it to be countered by the radiation of the tank and water surface. Also have CF bulbs (2x 42w) running about 12 hours a day and 250w MH running about 6-8 hours a day. I am using a cheap red liquid (mercury looking) thermometer. I would expect this type to be fairly accurate. Planning on switching to 2x LED fixtures when they come in.
Is the 80-81f water an issue? How can I get it down without a chiller? Do most people run a chiller?

thegrun · 12/09/2013, 09:56 AM

Many reef tanks with MH lighting end up needing a chiller during the summer. Temperatures between 77-82 are fine. Most tanks unless heavily stocked are okay with temperatures up to 84 degrees, but above that things can go bad quickly. Fans can be a big help in cooling the tank down without the expense of running a chiller. If you are having heat issues now in winter it is very likely you will need a chiller during the summer. Don't underestimate the heat produced by running your pumps, all that wattage ends up being converted to heat.

Vinny Kreyling · 12/09/2013, 10:19 AM

Check again after you put up the LED'S.
With mine the chiller never came on.

cloak · 12/09/2013, 01:34 PM

80-81 is fine. My tank used to hit 85/86 numerous times in the summer and everything seem to be ok. (mixed reef)

Mordir · 12/09/2013, 01:37 PM

What is the temp of the tank just before the non-essentials turn on?

Baldguy · 12/09/2013, 06:17 PM

I agree with others. Up to 83 or so is fine. If it's getting up to 81 now I would be a little worried about summer temps. Regarding getting a chiller, I would. Not so much to keep temps down to 78 or whatever but as insurance. If/when your AC goes out you will need that chiller. You can usually get a used one pretty cheap through your local club or CL. Just run it before you buy it. Test it with some hot water in a 5 gallon bucket.

James77 · 12/09/2013, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fisheater

We keep our house 71ish this time of year. My tank heater is off (unplugged) and the temp is in the 80-81 range. Im sure the 2 powerheads and 3 pumps must have some effect but I would expect it to be countered by the radiation of the tank and water surface. Also have CF bulbs (2x 42w) running about 12 hours a day and 250w MH running about 6-8 hours a day. I am using a cheap red liquid (mercury looking) thermometer. I would expect this type to be fairly accurate. Planning on switching to 2x LED fixtures when they come in.
Is the 80-81f water an issue? How can I get it down without a chiller? Do most people run a chiller?

No, 80-81 is far from being an issue. What is an issue is the swing you have everyday. My current setup in the summer can swing from 79-80 up to 85-86 with no issue because they are used to it.
I would consider 80-ish degrees an ideal temp, and would not bother to worry about getting it down unless you are spiking higher than that. Also keep in mind, the more stable your temp is...the less tolerant your animals will be of sharp changes.

12/09/2013, 09:27 AM	#1
fisheater Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Posts: 57	Temp importance We keep our house 71ish this time of year. My tank heater is off (unplugged) and the temp is in the 80-81 range. Im sure the 2 powerheads and 3 pumps must have some effect but I would expect it to be countered by the radiation of the tank and water surface. Also have CF bulbs (2x 42w) running about 12 hours a day and 250w MH running about 6-8 hours a day. I am using a cheap red liquid (mercury looking) thermometer. I would expect this type to be fairly accurate. Planning on switching to 2x LED fixtures when they come in. Is the 80-81f water an issue? How can I get it down without a chiller? Do most people run a chiller? __________________ 96 gal (calculated) tall style (48w x 34t x 15d) w/ 30 gal 3 sump/fuge, aquaC 180 p-skim, phos reactor. I know how to catch fish not run a marine aquarium, so please dont assume that I know better.

12/09/2013, 09:56 AM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	Many reef tanks with MH lighting end up needing a chiller during the summer. Temperatures between 77-82 are fine. Most tanks unless heavily stocked are okay with temperatures up to 84 degrees, but above that things can go bad quickly. Fans can be a big help in cooling the tank down without the expense of running a chiller. If you are having heat issues now in winter it is very likely you will need a chiller during the summer. Don't underestimate the heat produced by running your pumps, all that wattage ends up being converted to heat.

12/09/2013, 10:19 AM	#3
Vinny Kreyling Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Miller Place, NY Posts: 7,206	Check again after you put up the LED'S. With mine the chiller never came on.

12/09/2013, 01:34 PM	#4
cloak Moved On Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 14,854	80-81 is fine. My tank used to hit 85/86 numerous times in the summer and everything seem to be ok. (mixed reef)

12/09/2013, 01:37 PM	#5
Mordir Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2012 Posts: 87	What is the temp of the tank just before the non-essentials turn on?

12/09/2013, 06:17 PM	#6
Baldguy Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Ft Worth Posts: 296	I agree with others. Up to 83 or so is fine. If it's getting up to 81 now I would be a little worried about summer temps. Regarding getting a chiller, I would. Not so much to keep temps down to 78 or whatever but as insurance. If/when your AC goes out you will need that chiller. You can usually get a used one pretty cheap through your local club or CL. Just run it before you buy it. Test it with some hot water in a 5 gallon bucket.