Heat in a reef tank..........

[tx reef]

I have been doing some research on temperature as it applies to the reef. Did you guys know that almost all reefs have a 4-6 degree temperature swing daily?
I have been running my new tank at 81 degrees overnight with a peak of 85 during the day.
I have had no problems for 1 month. Everything is growing as it did in the other tank and showing no signs of stress. We will see how it plays out over a longer period of time.
I have been reading that a lot of SPS keepers intentionally make their temperature swing. They believe that it better replicates nature.
As I said, I have been at it for a month and have seen no ill effects.....only more time will tell.

 

[thud]

Funny - I was about to post a thread about temperature because my tank swings from 78 - 81 everyday because of my lights and the room temperature change...
Everything seems to be alright however.

 

[triga22]

My tank swings between 79-83

 

[fish1031]

same here
79-83

 

[puffer32]

Mine swings 5 degrees everyday. Starts out at 78 in the morning, and by late afternoon its at 82/83. Fans keep it from getting any higher. Everything is thriving.

 

[quakstar]

mine swings 81-90 and yes i know that is awful i ahve no mh lights coming on for long extended time till my chiller gets here

 

[fish1031]

wow i would try to make it swing from like 76-85... 90 is way up there

 

[tx reef]

Well, I see the truth is finally coming out. It is a common practice in the hobby to keep temperature as stable as possible.
Nice to see other "swingers".

 

[puffer32]

Originally Posted by TX Reef
Well, I see the truth is finally coming out. It is a common practice in the hobby to keep temperature as stable as possible.
Nice to see other "swingers".

I have not researched at all on temp swings in the ocean, but surely there has to be some. I believe its ok to have swings as long as its consistant. I don't see a problem if its a slow rise and fall as long as it happens everyday and isn't done to quickly. I hear of people having 83 degree water and adding ice and lowers the temp in a short period of time, to me, not good.