Temp. for SPS tank

[sirreal63]

Typically I run 78/79 to 83/84 in summer and 77/78 to 82/83 in winter, I don't worry too much about the temp. I have run as high as 85/86 on previous tanks with no issues but I won't recommend that to anyone not would I recommend a constant temp, which is very unnatural and can be detrimental to the corals.

 

[reeferlover]

im lucky my sump is on the basement floor purposly so i only have to heat not chill. so i keep my tank close to constant. but my thermometer lets it get to 75.5 then kicks on and heats to 76.5. its set to 76. i like the tank parameters to flucuate as little as poss

 

[REEF SMAC]

Thanks for those links sirreal63.
Very interesting reads.

 

[SpinyReef]

Mine runs between 80.5 and 83 during winter. During summer it's 82-84. I've never had any issues I could attribute to temp.

 

[sirreal63]

One of my favorite Greenbean36191 threads. It pretty much explains a lot of why we do what we have done, we read it in a book and never questioned it. We should always question what we are doing and why. To those here who have never heard of him or had the luxury of his posts over the years, do an advanced search on his username, there is a wealth of knowledge to be gained from this man.
www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1977164

 

[sminker]

Mine swings between 76-82 daily. Been like that for years.

 

[johntran216]

good to know a lot of people are having these 5 degrees swings.. I was starting to worry. I think a good ideal temp is 78F.

 

[reefSTC]

I keep mine at about 78 but due to the winter weather, it drops to 71 during the night. May add a 2nd heater to try to keep the temp at 78 constant.

 

[coralreefdoc]

ReefSTC. Consider adding that 2nd heater to kick on at say 75*, in order to keep the temperature dispersion/variations more consistent, versus keeping the temp at a set value which never fluctuates ...

Constant temps, over prolonged periods of time, are extremely unnatural and as eluded to/touched upon earlier can lead to the quick demise of the coral specimen were they to somehow fluctuate

 

[reefSTC]

will do, thanks for the tip

 

[Allmost]

hmmmm so what thermometer do you guys use ?

I have 3 glass ones, 2 that stick to glass. my RKL Itemp, and 2 other digital ones.

I used them all last night .... I got readings from 73 degrees all the way up to 79 LOL

I have no Idea which one is right, so Im gonna go with the RKL which would mean my temp is around 75-76.

corals are doing great.

 

[AcroporAddict]

IME the basic $1.99 suction cup glass thermometers in the DT are pretty accurate as a double check on controller accuracy. I use RKEs and RKLs on my various tanks, and for a very good accuracy check I have an infrared temperature sensor, the type used by auto mechanics.

I actually saw the IR temp sensor I have being used as an Engineering tool prop on the old Star Trek "Enterprise" series. The type I have below is by Raytek and can be purchased online for $45-$60. Very accurate.