Temp Fluctuation

[kodiak23]

Since changing my lights from LED to T5's, I've been watching my temp very cloesly. All has been fine until the last couple sunny days. I keep my tank at 79.5 and have an alarm if it goes below 79.0 or above 80.5. Most days like today the T5 fans keep the temp at a steady 79.5, but the last few days the temp has quickly been getting to 80.5. I then turn on a room fan and the temp goes down to 79.5, but I dont want to rely on a room fan or a cooler. So 2 questions.

1. I am only letting the temp fluctuate by 1 degree, is that ok, can I let it fluctuate more? What is the safe max?
2. Suggestions for a clip on fan over the sump?

 

[kodiak23]

Maybe I should have done some reading before making this post. I just read this awesome thread and it seems a small 1-2 degree fluctuation is a good thing, as long as the change is slow. I think I might change my swing from 78.5 to 80.5.

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1977164

 

[Grant W]

1 degree isn't bad Cody, mine goes up 2 or so with the halides. I have a 6" air king clip in the sump area from brs and my hood has 4-4" fans all on thermostatic controls. Just try to keep it below 81

 

[justin_cutri]

My tank usually sits between 78-80 although with the past few warm days I saw it creep just over 80 during the mid day heat. I will be getting a small clip on fan for warmer days. I doubt anything less than a 4 degree swing over the course of 8 hours would do much if any harm, 1-2 degrees is healthy.

 

[Danny Luu]

usually my tank is 78... but for some reason it was 82 this evening for some strange reason... time for a new heater maybe =\

 

[northbay-reefer]

Temp swing is normal in the reef with the sun and tidal changes during the day and night. Mine swings about 2 degrees through out the year.

 

[coralfarmer]

A couple of degree fluctuation is fine but if you have invested any kind of time and money into your tank all I can say is get a Chiller. I've seen more tanks melt in the summer heat. A chiller is peace of mind.