What is the correct temperature for my tank?

[Westside Guy]

My heater is set at 76 and my tank's temperature averages between 76-77.5, is that too low?

 

[Phil D.]

Usually Reefs are 77-79

 

[DeniseAndy]

Depends on time of year and the types of corals you have. I have one of my tank systems that runs about 76.8 all the time. Just because of its location in the house. May get up to 79 in dead of summer. It is a qt tank that grows out frags, holds carpet nems, lps, some sps, btas, zoas, etc. No issues.

My main system is set to be between 76-77 in winter months to up to 79-80 in summer months. Never an issue related to temp in my systems.

I would set it maybe up a degree at most. If it truly stays that low, you can have some of the fish that prefer lower temps.

 

[Doctorgori]

Usually Reefs are 77-79

thats were mines at, but no, nothings gonna die above 70F, ...temperature affects metabolism and dissolved oxygen.
livestock in the tank your is WAAAAAY more likely to fry from a bad heater than freeze in a normal heated house...
Opinions vary but you decide,

I’ve only recently heated my reef...

 

[Uncle99]

Your temp is fine

 

[vetteguy53081]

77-79 range is industry standard

 

[Brandon3152134]

Consistency is more important then correct temp it would be better to have a constant 76 then a swinging temp of 77 to 79. although that's not a very large swing for temp as most species can deal with temp swings alot better than something like alk swings.

 

[NeonRabbit221B]

thats were mines at, but no, nothings gonna die above 70F, ...temperature affects metabolism and dissolved oxygen.
livestock in the tank your is WAAAAAY more likely to fry from a bad heater than freeze in a normal heated house...
Opinions vary but you decide,

I’ve only recently heated my reef...

Solid answer.

The only reason I use a heater is because someone told me too starting off. Ran my nano without a heater for a few months after a heater got stuck on and nearly boiled the tank. The pump heat and the lights kept it at 73-74 which was great and saw no issues besides a drop in nutrients. The only reason I use a heater regularly is in case of power failures. I will say my reef tanks are more active above 76 and now typically run em at 78 because people tell me its good for them.

 

[Doctorgori]

Solid answer.

The only reason I use a heater is because someone told me too starting off. Ran my nano without a heater for a few months after a heater got stuck on and nearly boiled the tank. The pump heat and the lights kept it at 73-74 which was great and saw no issues besides a drop in nutrients. The only reason I use a heater regularly is in case of power failures. I will say my reef tanks are more active above 76 and now typically run em at 78 because people tell me its good for them.

I have no clue where or when 78-79 thing came from, It may be industry standard,it may be optimal, it may be safe but I have never seen any scientific abstract saying your tank must be in that range or else....

I got a tank that NEVER gets over 73F, its a unheated seahorse tank...its 150g so it doesn’t fluctuate fast. Corals look colorful, healthy and growing

 

[splitting_lanes]

I think your temperature is fine where it’s at. Over 80something in the summer is where you’ll run into problems. Or if your heater is oversized.

 

[Tired]

To avoid a heater getting stuck on, just get an inkbird controller to plug it into. Set the controller a couple degrees higher than where you want your tank to be, and if the heater fails on (which you should expect one to eventually), the controller will shut it off.

 

[afboundguy]

Def agree with @Brandon3152134 assessment that consistency is more important. I keep my tank at 76.3-76.5 degrees and it has never looked better...

 

[afboundguy]

Forgot to mention I have the wifi inkbird set to come on at 75.5 and off at 76.5 with the actual heater set at 78'ish

 

[William Mumford]

I would just get an ink bird controller and not worry about it are 30 bucks and work good.

 

[Westside Guy]

Solid answer.

I will say my reef tanks are more active above 76 and now typically run em at 78 because people tell me its good for them.

The presets on my Colbalt heater are in 2 degree intervals so if I increase it from 76 to 78 are you saying it is better for coral growth? Won't it also increase algae growth?

 

[Doctorgori]

The presets on my Colbalt heater are in 2 degree intervals so if I increase it from 76 to 78 are you saying it is better for coral growth? Won't it also increase algae growth?

I've heard the Cobalts are quality, but how accurate the presets are, I dunno. I got a couple of those laser temp thingies and when shined in the tank on assorted objects, they both agree. OTOH I have never seen any consistency with any other heater setting or ANY of those digital aquarium thermometers, so I'm not sure of the relevance....not questioning but sincerely not sure.

 

[AquaBiomics]

Corals in nature, on typical reefs, experience a range from 24-28 C (~75-82 F) during normal conditions.

Like pH, the temperature in nature naturally fluctuates both daily and over the course of the year.

Anything within that range is fine, and fluctuations within that range are nothing to worry about. Stability doesnt really matter as long as its within this range.

Fish are waaaay less sensitive to temperature. Whatever temp you have is fine for fish.

 

[Brandon3152134]

I had a zoo med temp controller designed for snake heater mats. I just put the prob in the sump and connected the heater. Allows me to use a super cheap heater without the risk of frying my reef which has happened previously taking out a few expensive pieces. https://www.chewy.com/zilla-terrari...fhO8x9ro0qBJBBWylJXLazy5EPco9wY0aAh0pEALw_wcB

 

[sp1187]

76/77 year round.
2+ years now.

 

[Jeff Jarry reef]

My heater is set at 76 and my tank's temperature averages between 76-77.5, is that too low?

Thats what I run my sps dominant tank at and they seem to love it.and also I believe this is a good gap because of summer and winter kinda in the middle