Reef is running hot

Roggio · Nov 4, 2017

I haven't changed much in the last month but my tank is running hot. I have checked my three Eheim heaters in my 600g total water system and I thought at first it was because one was because one heater was stuck in the on position. I have recitified this.

In the last month I have added a Diabo 300ext skimmer, a Kessil H380 fuge light and added around 25 more gallons to my sumps water volume. My reef is lit by LED's.

Currently my house is at 77' and the tank is at 80.5' the heaters all cut off at 78.5(APEX). I can't imagine what could be attributing the extra heat.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Flippers4pups · Nov 4, 2017

Roggio said:
I haven't changed much in the last month but my tank is running hot. I have checked my three Eheim heaters in my 600g total water system and I thought at first it was because one was because one heater was stuck in the on position. I have recitified this.

In the last month I have added a Diabo 300ext skimmer, a Kessil H380 fuge light and added around 25 more gallons to my sumps water volume. My reef is lit by LED's.

Currently my house is at 77' and the tank is at 80.5' the heaters all cut off at 78.5(APEX). I can't imagine what could be attributing the extra heat.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Does this tank have canopy? Or glass tops?

Roggio · Nov 4, 2017

Flippers4pups said:
Does this tank have canopy? Or glass tops?

Not at all, one of the two displays is in a room with high ceilings. The stand is thick but the sump still breathes.

tdileo · Nov 4, 2017

I’m not sure, hope you find out. Just so you know your tank should be fine at 80°, mine runs at 79.5 and I don’t have a problem with any of my coral, fish or inverts. I believe the slightly warmer temp actually increases metabolism and may make corals grow faster but not sure how true it is.

ChrisOFL · Nov 4, 2017

I run my tank at 81 degrees all year without any issues. Clownfish breed regularly and corals all do well. No reason to worry with your temps, you may even see better results but that's subjective to you of course.

Roggio · Nov 4, 2017

tdileo said:
I’m not sure, hope you find out. Just so you know your tank should be fine at 80°, mine runs at 79.5 and I don’t have a problem with any of my coral, fish or inverts. I believe the slightly warmer temp actually increases metabolism and may make corals grow faster but not sure how true it is.

Cronicreefer said:
I run my tank at 81 degrees all year without any issues. Clownfish breed regularly and corals all do well. No reason to worry with your temps, you may even see better results but that's subjective to you of course.

It's true, higher temp is higher PH which leads to faster growth.

I'm concerned because I'm in Florida and this is the colder time of year. I have to replace my AC anyway but if it ever goes out I can easily see 85'. A chiller isn't feasible in my set up. I'm going to be replacing the three temporary Chinese pumps I have set up with one or two varios. Maybe that will help.

saltyfilmfolks · Nov 4, 2017

Three degrees above ambient ? Yea. Makes perfect sense with what you have.

And yea , if it gets hot you need a chiller in that set up.

Roggio · Nov 4, 2017

@saltyfilmfolks Thanks for the response. Dang, I need to ensure my AC never goes out

saltyfilmfolks · Nov 4, 2017

Roggio said:
@saltyfilmfolks Thanks for the response. Dang, I need to ensure my AC never goes out

Right?
I have the same cooling system. But much smaller tanks.
The good news is, it's winter and used chillers are cheaper. ;Greedy
If it's set up as a temp system for a few months it won't come on. Just the pump runs.

mtraylor · Nov 4, 2017

Your pumps are most likely where the heat is being generated.

Roggio · Nov 4, 2017

saltyfilmfolks said:
Right?
I have the same cooling system. But much smaller tanks.
The good news is, it's winter and used chillers are cheaper. ;Greedy
If it's set up as a temp system for a few months it won't come on. Just the pump runs.

I'm gonna have to run on prayers. I'm currently replacing all my equipment the hurricane destroyed. I have insurance but they're giving me the run around. Most of my coral died so I have time.

Cully · Nov 5, 2017

My system was running around 80-81 and touching 82 even 83. Stability is key. That said, I was definitely nervous in the 82 range. Using my apex and two clip on fans, I’m now 77-78 365. I put 1 fan over the surface of the tank, and one over the sump. On at 78 off at 77.

I actually don’t have to run heaters, lighting and internal return keeps me where I want to be. There’s a good routine maintenance video on BRS TV where Ryan throws out all of his heaters every 6 months lol. Obviously most of us don’t have a warehouse of high end supplies at our disposal.... You’re clearly playing with more water than I am, but you’d be amazed what a couple of fans across the surface of your water can do. Evap will go up for sure so make appropriate adjustments.

Hope it helps if you decide to go that route.

Donovan Joannes · Nov 5, 2017

My chiller went south 3 weeks ago and tank temperature stay at average 28C, afternoon on hot day peaked at 31.5C. So far my SPSs are doing fine. Down here on hot day temperature can reached 36C