Warm Tank Temp?

[ReefWreak]

I'm sure this has been discussed before, but does anyone keep their reef (SPS or not) at a "warmer" temperature? I've been keeping my tank at 79-81 during the winter, and now for summer, with possibilities of hurricanes and power outages (even though I've got a generator) I've been keeping my tank at 80-83. I have seen no adverse effects, and according to E Borneman's book, it should help in case of an accidental temp increase. I know E Borneman's reputation is not so great right now, but at heart he's still a hobbyist.

Anyway, lemme know any thoughts you guys have on the idea.

Thanks!

 

[dragon_slayer]

i ran my 180g in the High 80s/Low 90s for 6 years with absolutely great results, it's all about having and keeping high water quality when you get to the elevated temp. things do go south allot faster at higher temps so you loose your margin of error but it can be done.

kc

 

[ReefWreak]

Thanks for the response. Very nice tank! Apparently your Xenia didn't mind the elevated temps

 

[Pandomime]

My room for some reason is extremly warm and my tank is usally at around 82-84 with no heater needed and it does great. growth is fast and its rare for something to die in my tank. Just like dragon_slayer said i think its all about your water quality

 

[NanoKat]

I believe that with temperature, the primary factor is stability. Some people let theirs fluctuate from day to night, but I figure that the same day to night would be better. Mine is pegged at 82.4 and I keep it there with a good heater (titanium heater with external probe and controller) and a digital thermometer. I have monti caps and several acro frags and they all seem fine and have good growth.

I figured my high temp would be the best to peg it at (since I don't have a chiller). During the day when the a/c isn't running as much and the lights are on on the tank, it peaks at 82.4, so that's where I set my heater to keep it. It worked for me!

 

[Speckled Grouper]

Stability is the key, I think. I am running a constant 81 - 82 and everything is good.

 

[dragon_slayer]

Stability isn't as critical as water quality, most corals come from the upper reef where surface temps play a key roll in fluctuations and it changes 4-5º F with the daily cycle. and if you've ever dived a reef there are thermal pockets in the water where the temp can be better then 15º difference.

kc

 

[Rogger Castells]

It is true that most corals and fishes will thrive at higher temperatures however, the issue is that running your tank so close to the maximum temp (say 89) gives you very little time to address any problems, if your chiller fails the temperature will go up 10 degrees, that will put your tank near 100 and most of your corals are dead.
On the other hand if your tank was 79 your tank will go to 89, you'll still stress them but chances are higher that they will survive.

 

[dragon_slayer]

I've kept softie grow out tanks in the upper 90s with no problems so corals can successfully survive the temps but when you get to those extremes it's difficult to keep the O2 levels up in the water.

kc