Temp and algae

[austinfish]

Will warm tank waters cause or increase algae growth?
I'm looking into a chiller, can not keep my tank below 80.

 

[jonthefb]

to tell you the truth, i used to be in the same boat that you ar ein now, until one day the temp climbed up to 82-84 degrees. i had never seen the corals thrive so well in my tank, and have tried to keep it at this temp for about 4 months now. i used to try to keep the temp around 78-80, but after seeing the polyp expansion and rpid reproductive rate at a temp of 82-84, i will never go back!
just some food for thought!
good luck
jon

 

[austinfish]

Are you saying that you don't think letting the tank get up to 84 is bad?
I would like some more imput on this if any one care to give it.
I'm open to anything, I want to learn and I want a healthy tank.

 

[phoenixrising]

I was having an impossible time keeping my temps down and resorted to a 1/3 hp Aqua Logic (Delta) inline chiller. I tried all sorts of fans, kept the AC on in the house (WOW was that a shocking electric bill), changed over all my pumps to external ones and so forth to no avail. Chiller was a chunk of change, but it sure cured the overheating problem.

 

[david s]

phoenix how expensive to run is chiller compared to air conditioner ???
I have been pondering a chiller

 

[phoenixrising]

Hi David--I haven't gotten my bill yet since the chiller was installed, but am told that it will likely add roughly $50 to my electric bill. Of course, this figure would depend on what size chiller you buy and what kind of pull down you are looking for. Naturally, the larger the pull down the more the unit will be running. If you are planning to buy one, try to get one that is bit larger than what you actually need. It will run more efficiently and cost less in electric bills in the long run. Plus, if you ever decide to upgrade to a larger system, you won't have to purchase a larger unit down the road. I have roughly 300 gallons all told and could have gone with the 1/2 hp unit, but the difference in cost between them (the 1/3 hp and the 1/2 hp) was large so decided to stick with the 1/3 unit. I believe it sucks up as much electricity as a regular refrigerator.

 

[jonthefb]

if yor tank jumps from a set 78 to 84 all at once, yes, that is bad, however my tank slowly increased in temp till it was around 82-83 degrees and ive never seen my corals and fish happier. a gradual increase with time to tlet the animals acclimatize it what is important. If i can recall correctly ther ewas a poll on this topic earlier this sumer, and the few reefers who did keep their tanks at higher temps, all seemed to witness improved corla health.
good luck
jon

 

[saltyrich]

I agree with johnthefb. My tank runs consistantly around 82-84 everyday and everything in my tank tank thrives. (except for the 3 softies i recently lost upon introduction to the tank, but I don't think the issue relates to temp). To answer your original question, NO. An increase in temp does not necessarily equate to an increase in algae.