Temperature Problems

stars4105811

stars4105811

Member
I cannot seem to regulate my temperature in my tank. I bought a new heater that is more than what the tank needs. And I have to have the dial on top set way above the temp I want it to be and it still looses heat at night after the lights shut off. During the day it is right where it is supposed to be (78 degrees). Any advice as to how to keep it staying that warm at night? This morning it was 76.2. Not good at all! Is there a heater that will work better? Any advice is appreciated.
 
flower

flower

Well-Known Member
It sounds to me like your heater isn't working right or you don't have water flow to circulate the warm water the heater makes, and it only heats a tiny area before shutting off.
The reason the heat rises in the day is from the lights. When lights are out, it is all up to the heater.
The heater could be working, but the control is off, just readjust the control to a higher tamp, and keep an eye on the temp to make sure it dosn't get to toasty.
 
stars4105811

stars4105811

Member
It goes from 76 to 78. And it is not an every day thing. That is the weird part. I understand that during the day the lights naturally heat up the water. But the heater will not keep the water that same temp during the night. I have 2 filters, protien skimmer, and one power head moving water. I am in the process of adding a UV steralizer. I cannot imagine that it would need more water flow than that.
Can a few degree temp change cause ich??
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
Originally Posted by Stars4105811
http:///forum/post/2969914
It goes from 76 to 78. And it is not an every day thing. That is the weird part. I understand that during the day the lights naturally heat up the water. But the heater will not keep the water that same temp during the night. I have 2 filters, protien skimmer, and one power head moving water. I am in the process of adding a UV steralizer. I cannot imagine that it would need more water flow than that.
Can a few degree temp change cause ich??

What size heater and what size tank?
 
stars4105811

stars4105811

Member
The tank is a 55 gal and the heater is regulated for up to 100 gal. Seems to me like that should be more than enough. I may try to move it closer to the power head for better circulation of warm water.
 
srfisher17

srfisher17

Active Member
Originally Posted by fau8
http:///forum/post/2969992
A two degree swing is perfectly acceptable.
I agree. As to ich, nothing can cause ich, anymore than something can cause dogs. Ich is a parasite that must be introduced to your tank. If you don't have it and you QT everything; you won't get it. (Over-simplified, maybe.)
 
bang guy

bang guy

Moderator
Originally Posted by Stars4105811
http:///forum/post/2970003
The tank is a 55 gal and the heater is regulated for up to 100 gal. Seems to me like that should be more than enough. I may try to move it closer to the power head for better circulation of warm water.
What size is the heater? How many watts can it put out? You either have a defective heater or you need an additional heater.
I agree that a two degree drop isn't much of a problem.
 
srfisher17

srfisher17

Active Member
1.) Don't count on the "dialed in" temp of the heater being accurate.
2.) I don't think I've ever owned a system that didn't vary by a couple of degrees most of the time. Plus, the temp changes are gradual, which really makes them completely harmless.
3.) Not all thermometers are 100% accurate, either.
 
stars4105811

stars4105811

Member
I have had a couple of different people tell me that temp changes every day can cause ich. Even a few degrees. I'm glad you guys are telling me that it is not a problem.
 
srfisher17

srfisher17

Active Member
Originally Posted by Stars4105811
http:///forum/post/2970400
I have had a couple of different people tell me that temp changes every day can cause ich. Even a few degrees. I'm glad you guys are telling me that it is not a problem.
Here's a thread from this forum I suggest you read, it includes a lot of ich info. Ich is a parasite. Either your tank has it or it doesn't. If a change in temp can create life; that's Nobel Prize territory. (I know the temp change theory is in reference to stressing a fish and lowering resistance. But, I just don't buy the theory that ich is always present, just waiting for something like a 2 degree change in temp.)https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=127007
 
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