Temp Question

Rob's Reef · Jul 29, 2017

Hey Gang,

I read Randy holmes article on reef tank parameters. I see for temp he has 76-83. I live in So. California and not in a cool area. "Riverside" My tank is in my living room wall so the backside/equipment is in the garage. It gets hot in the summer and cold in the winter.

Most write ups I see say not to let the tank fluctuate more than a couple degrees. Do you think it would be ok if during the summer my tank sit's at 82 degrees and winter gets down to the 76 threshold as long and it wasnt sudden temp swings and more gradual with the seasonal temp change? Trying to keep it at let's say the medium 79 would mean my chiller or heater respectively would be running more....

Just wanted some opinions, pros and cons?

Thanks,
Rob

Dr. Reef · Jul 29, 2017

I have a similar setup in Oklahoma. Everything including tank and equipment is in the garage and only a in wall cutout for viewing from inside. It gets 120 during summers and freezing during winter. I have a commercial 1.5hp chiller and 1200 watts of titanium heaters backed by Apex controller.
Anyways, during summers I keep chiller to kick on at 82 and drop back to 81. So temp swings 1 degree between 81-82. While in winters I have heaters to come on at 77 and shut off at 78, with a swing of 1 degree.
As long as swing is not drastic and is more gradual over time it's fine.

Dr. Reef · Jul 29, 2017

Here is what it looks like.

Rob's Reef · Jul 29, 2017

I've got a very similar setup.

Dr. Reef said:
Here is what it looks like.

Dr. Reef · Jul 29, 2017

Almost similar setup. I like it. All the stuff is in the back. Only time I have difficulty is when I have to place something small in very front other than that I like the whole setup.

Rob's Reef · Jul 30, 2017

Yeah, it's a pain in the butt moving stuff around. Wish there was a cool way to still have access from the front...

Dr. Reef said:
Almost similar setup. I like it. All the stuff is in the back. Only time I have difficulty is when I have to place something small in very front other than that I like the whole setup.