Heating

[Chief501]

I have my heater set to 76 but my tank water is staying at 79. The heater is not on. The question is why is staying that high, and is the temp bad. My house temp stays at 74-75.

 

[AlSimmons]

Your lights, the pumps all generate heat, so that might be why your tank is leveling off at 79 degrees as opposed to 76. (which is totally fine)

 

[mcgyvr]

Yep... All submerged equipment (pumps/powerheads,etc...) give off heat.. Heat is also transferring to the tank from lighting,etc...
A submersible pump that uses 100watts is basically equivalent to a 100W heater running full time in your tank..

79 is not a problem at all..
Once your tank gets to a consistent 83 deg F temps then you need to start looking for solutions..

 

[nereefpat]

Also, keep in mind that the thermostats in heaters can be off a couple degrees.

 

[thegrun]

Also, keep in mind that the thermostats in heaters can be off a couple degrees.

+1 there, I've seen them off by over 4 degrees right out of the box. You should always calibrate your heaters with a trusted thermometer. I've got an old lab grade thermometer that I use.