Safe temp range for a reef?

[MikeP471612]

My heater has been acting up, I was wondering what the safe tempature range for a reef tank is? I'm thinking anywhere from 77 to 84 is ok?

Thanks

 

[alan214]

That is about right bit it really depends on the tank inhabitants. There are several threads on RC that you can search for that address this often-asked question.

 

[drummereef]

Target 80F, imo.

 

[rdnyva]

More imporant than the temperature range is the stability. What kind of temp swings do you get between night and day?

 

[MikeP471612]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9258240#post9258240 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by rdnyva
More imporant than the temperature range is the stability. What kind of temp swings do you get between night and day?

Getting about 4 degrees differance between night and day at the most. Not sure if it would get worse in the summer though. Does anyone know the max and min temp you would ever want to see? I know it depends a bit on what you're keeping but generaly what temps should someone start to worry?

 

[oldsaltman]

As stated above it is not a matter of min/max temp it is that you should try for a fixed temp. IMO no more that 2 degree swing. If you target 80 then you would be safe with + or - one degree.

 

[DrBegalke]

I know there is a tendency to never let your tank get above 80, or maybe 82, but in reality, most of the corals we keep come from reefs who have a higher average water temperature.

Also, although rapid changes should be avoided, its probably ok to have some variablity in temp. Atolls can go from 92 deg to 72 deg all in the same day (i.e. a storm with cold air/cold rain), etc...., yet the reef thrives...

http://web.archive.org/web/20030218...om/fish2/aqfm/1997/nov/features/1/default.asp