Acceptable daily temp fluctuation?

[MrSquid]

What's an acceptable daily temperature swing from lights? Today was my first day since adding some fans to my canopy where I could have ALL my lights on for an extended amount of time.

My T5's went on at 10am, MH's went on at 1pm. I didn't see a temp increase until about 1:15. By the time the MH's went off around 5pm, the tank temp had risen approx 2° ... with no temp increase in the final 45 minutes. (I've got a Reefkeeper 2 hooked up to a laptop, so I'm able to see just what it did)

Assuming the temp was rising about .1° every 15-20min and will take several hours to drop back down, is this 2° swing a big deal?

 

[mnml]

recommended is no more than 2

 

[bmxdad]

My 75g starts out in morning a 78, and by the time 2 250w MH kick off tank is at 79.5. I have to 6 inch fans mounted to top of canopy, that I can control speed.

 

[reefworm]

as little as possible, obviously, but a couple degrees either way is not a serious matter. cooling fans are very efficient heat removers. I've found that a 3.5" computer cooling fan blowing across the surface keeps my temp around 80~81 even with MH on

 

[ahullsb]

Some people report much bigger temperature swings on here with no problems. In my opinion a 2 degree temperature swing is perfectly fine. Some people's tanks have 5 degree swings and seem to be healthy.

 

[svb57]

My mixed reef tanks (330g/125g) go from 79.5 at night to 82 during the day with no problems.

 

[Agu]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11641025#post11641025 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by ahullsb
Some people report much bigger temperature swings on here with no problems. In my opinion a 2 degree temperature swing is perfectly fine. Some people's tanks have 5 degree swings and seem to be healthy.

I'm one of those "some people". With nanos it's harder to maintain temps when windows are open overnight this time of year (I'm in Florida). I'll see 5+ degree swings over a 12 hour period with no ill effects. Not that I endorse this as stable temps are better but if there's some change it's not a tank killer.

 

[MrSquid]

Well I'll take this as good news then. Thanks guys - it's nice to get the answers you WANT to hear once in a while.

 

[REEFKEEPA]

2 degrees is awesome!!
I hope I can get that out of my new set up.....

 

[reefworm]

heater and fan

 

[realest]

My temp at night is 76.5 and during day time with all lights on. It is running at 80 something.

No bad sign of it at all. Corals and fish is living.