I did my own accidental global warming experiment this past week. I put a large pump in my 75g to provide more flow along the bottom. The tank has 4-5 fish in it and mostly soft corals. I did not realize that this pump would have create the heat that hit did. It raised the tank temperature to about 83 degrees overnight and 86 through the next day. I came in to find everything closed up.
5 days later
Green star polyps faded to light green some white, but now open.
Most LPS hammer/frog spawn/trumpet are now opening again after nearly 4 days.
Palys - still closed up - look like the majority will not make it.
Large finger Leather - looks as though I need to pull it out before it rots in the tank.
Small pink/brown leathers - appear to be OK
clove polyps - not effected after temp back down
mushrooms - not effected after temp back down
zenia - melted away
devils hand - seems to be shedding, still questionable.
yellow zoos - shrank up but starting to re-open.
Conclusion - Heat is not coral friendly (at least a quick blast).
On the same topic of heat - I am still amazed as to how a fan either across lights or on the sump will reduce water temperature - cheap with big results.
5 days later
Green star polyps faded to light green some white, but now open.
Most LPS hammer/frog spawn/trumpet are now opening again after nearly 4 days.
Palys - still closed up - look like the majority will not make it.
Large finger Leather - looks as though I need to pull it out before it rots in the tank.
Small pink/brown leathers - appear to be OK
clove polyps - not effected after temp back down
mushrooms - not effected after temp back down
zenia - melted away
devils hand - seems to be shedding, still questionable.
yellow zoos - shrank up but starting to re-open.
Conclusion - Heat is not coral friendly (at least a quick blast).
On the same topic of heat - I am still amazed as to how a fan either across lights or on the sump will reduce water temperature - cheap with big results.
