Better temperature range?

[takitaj]

Hey all. I'm using a Finnex digital temp controller rather then wearing out the EB832 outlet. It does a pretty good job keeping it in a max 0.5 degree range but it can only be set in 1 degree increments. According to the Apex, if I set it for 79 it will run 77.6 to 78 and it I set it for 80 it'll run between 78.6 to 79.1.

My question is, and I know it's splitting hairs a bit but, which do you think is the better range?

It's a newer tank (a little over a month) with 2 small clowns and a cleaner shrimp and will eventually become a mixed reef. Which reminds me, I have to update my build thread.

 

[dwest]

I’d do the higher one, but it doesn’t matter.

If I were you, I would use the apex as the main controller and the heater set a tad higher as a backup controller. Heater failures are a sizable chunk of tank failures. The controller on your apex can likely go through many more off on cycles without failure IMO.

 

[Seanb]

So you are choosing between am average temp of 77.8 vs 78.8. I would choose the lower one, just because my tank tends to overheat a little in the summer (no A/C ). I have fans that kick in at 79 and keep it under control, but I prefer keeping the tank a little cooler, so it has more room to heat up a bit without getting near the danger zone.

 

[takitaj]

Thank you all for your input.

dewest, I'm wondering why you think the relay in the Apex can withstand more cycles than the one in the Finnex? The reason why I'm using a separate controller is to save a failure of the $300 relay over the $50 relay. I'm also a former EE so I'm not scared of replacing a relay but less so on the $50 unit. 1/2 degree range should be plenty stable enough. I also plan on adding a backup heater connected directly to the Apex, in case of the controller failure, to take over until a new heater/controller arrives. My question is more of the better range stated in the OP, even though it's basically only a one degree difference.

Seanb: I have central air and the house stays pretty much the same year 'round, plus I have a backup generator. So I'm not worried about external influence. I also run fans in the hood.

I'm wondering which of the ranges would be best for the tank inhabitants, all other things aside.

 

[Coralsdaily]

Agree with either range is OK. BUT, depends where you are, if you are in a warmer climate I'd do the lower range to reduce any chance of overheating in case your AC malfunctions. And if you live in a cooler climate I'd do the higher range to reduce chance of over chilling if the heater goes out over the winter months.

 

[PatW]

I scuba dive. Temperatures at coral reefs in the Caribbean can range from about 68 degrees to 84 degrees over a year. Even daily temperature ranges can be rather high of more than 4 degrees. You can get an current shift that will bring in cold water from the depths that will drop temps 20 degrees Fahrenheit. You don’t see that often but it does happen. The reefs handle it.

A lower temperature will give you more margin of error. But the choices you are talking about are both fine.

 

[Coralsdaily]

I scuba dive. Temperatures at coral reefs in the Caribbean can range from about 68 degrees to 84 degrees over a year. Even daily temperature ranges can be rather high of more than 4 degrees. You can get an current shift that will bring in cold water from the depths that will drop temps 20 degrees Fahrenheit. You don’t see that often but it does happen. The reefs handle it.

A lower temperature will give you more margin of error. But the choices you are talking about are both fine.

I second PatW's experience. Grew up in Belize and the barrier reef there actually consists of waves of cool water with pockets of warm water. A lot of the reef creature a a lot more tolerant than we give them credit for. Just know that extreme cool and heat can come in waves and pockets and they will be fine, but being constantly exposed to extremes will cause damage eventually.