What is the best temperature and salinity level for a SPS tank

[Theprettycolors]

I have read mixed reviews on this subject, but would like to know Reef Central's community experience has been on this matter. :strange:

 

[beeker]

IMO the hotter the tank the faster metabolic rate an organism would have and faster growth because of such

i try to keep my temp between 80-81 and no higher IMO this helps with faster growth

I keep my salanity at 1.025 i feel this is the best level for a reef tank because it keeps Alk/Calc and Mag consistant and in high concentration for a longer period

 

[sedor]

I think you're going to get a lot of the same answer on this one. Its pretty standard across the board that most keep their tanks at 1.025 - 1.026 and from 78-82. Its more important to achieve stability with SPS, so for instance pick a temp range and make sure it stays the same every day. Salinity should always be the same, but if you have an ATO you won't have to worry about that.

 

[MammothReefer]

I shoot for 1.025 just to compensate for any discrepancy in my refractometer.. but typically end up at 1.026

 

[nvdiz]

1.025 and 79-81 for me. Keeps everything looking healthy

 

[Felixc395]

IMO the hotter the tank the faster metabolic rate an organism would have and faster growth because of such

You are abosolutely right on this one. As temperature increases enzymes catalyze faster and speed up metabolic processes so it makes sense you this in reef tanks.

However too high of temperatures cause enzyme function to slow or even denature and this is where you have issues. This point differs for different organisms, so one must be careful.

Salinity plays an important role as well in metabolic functions in relation to enzymes and speed growth up. So keepin both at the right level and stable so that you don't stress your corals, which is very important.

While it may seem like a simple question, I believe this was a great question and there is a variety of results for reefers. Happy Reefing everyone! just thought I'd put a little scientific input into this inquiry. HTH

 

[bigdog69]

1.025 and 79-81 for me. Keeps everything looking healthy

+1

 

[seminolecpa]

Personally I am not sold on the need to keep such a tight range on temp. Some of the other params I think are much more important. I go with about a 74-79 range each day this time of year.

I like to keep my salinity about 1.025 or 1.026

 

[fishieness]

However too high of temperatures cause enzyme function to slow or even denature and this is where you have issues. This point differs for different organisms, so one must be careful.

And it can be harmful even before you reach that point if you don't have the oxygen levels to accommodate the higher metabolic rate. This is what causes bleaching with high temperatures and high lighting.

 

[MammothReefer]

I keep my temps 76-77. If I get above 80, my aussie corals start having issues.

 

[fishieness]

I keep my temps 76-77. If I get above 80, my aussie corals start having issues.

Another good point. There are 3 main strains of zooxanthellae, each one having a different maximum temperature tolerance.

 

[T-Boner]

well right now my tank has a big swing 74.8-80.4 and ive lost a few sps

 

[Theprettycolors]

Another good point. There are 3 main strains of zooxanthellae, each one having a different maximum temperature tolerance.

This my exact point with my question.
It seems you do get a mixed review with temp, and a small fluctuation with salinity. 1.023 to 1.026 level is considered safe, but I assume from this thread that a constant 1.025 is best and 79 to 80 temp is best for growth and health?

I've had saltwater aquariums for over 20 years, and it's ever changing! :spin2:
What is right today sometimes is wrong a few years from now.

 

[Theprettycolors]

IMO the hotter the tank the faster metabolic rate an organism would have and faster growth because of such

i try to keep my temp between 80-81 and no higher IMO this helps with faster growth

I keep my salanity at 1.025 i feel this is the best level for a reef tank because it keeps Alk/Calc and Mag consistant and in high concentration for a longer period

Beeker,

I just changed my chiller setting range temp from 77.5-78.5 to 79.5-80.5
By tomorrow afternoon the temp in my aquarium should average 80 degrees.

I'll let you know if I notice a difference.
Thanks to you all :spin3:

 

[Theprettycolors]

You are abosolutely right on this one. As temperature increases enzymes catalyze faster and speed up metabolic processes so it makes sense you this in reef tanks.

However too high of temperatures cause enzyme function to slow or even denature and this is where you have issues. This point differs for different organisms, so one must be careful.

Salinity plays an important role as well in metabolic functions in relation to enzymes and speed growth up. So keepin both at the right level and stable so that you don't stress your corals, which is very important.

While it may seem like a simple question, I believe this was a great question and there is a variety of results for reefers. Happy Reefing everyone! just thought I'd put a little scientific input into this inquiry. HTH

Felix,
You sound like you have great knowledge when it comes to reefing (not sure reefing is a word, but it sounds fun!)
What is your tank set at? Temp and salinity?

 

[Felixc395]

Felix,
You sound like you have great knowledge when it comes to reefing (not sure reefing is a word, but it sounds fun!)
What is your tank set at? Temp and salinity?

Thank you, I appreciate the kind words.

I prefer to keep my tank an 78 degrees. I feel like this is a good spot so that if it fluctuates my range of temperatures will still be acceptable from 76 at the least to 80 at the most. I use T5 lights so that I don't have heat issues.

My salinity is always at 1.025 and stays extremely stable. I monitor it frequently and make sure that it is at acceptable numbers.

 

[Logzor]

Chingchai runs his tank at 24C which is just over 75 degrees. Enough said!

I run my tank at around 77 degrees.

 

[allsps40]

76-80 and 35ppt.

 

[Bonvivant]

I think the key is to keep things stable at whatever temp you choose. These creatures are not fans of change. If you want to use 75 then make sure it stays at 75 and you will be fine.

 

[64Ivy]

IME, the 'Best' temp and salinity are whatever any given piece gets used to (within reason, of course). My stuff seems happy with 77F-79F year round via chiller and at 35ppt.