Tank Temperature Question

[AZ_Salt_Tank]

Hello,

This is the first time I've had a Salt tank, I've set the temperature to 75 degrees, but for some unknown reason the temp in my tank remains at 81.4 degrees. I have a thermometer in the tank, and I also have the digital thermometer that gives the temperature in the tank and in the house, my house temperature stays between 76 - 78 degrees.

My tank is 125 gallons, 2 power heads, 2 cascade 1500 canisters, a back pac II protein skimmer that has not been used until the cycling period is over. I leave the light on in my tank for 8 hours each day.

My question is: With my tank temperature being 81.4 degrees, is this bad for my fish ? My tank was setup on 02/27/04, I'm still in the cycling period, I have 7 damsels in the tank at this time. I was told that my tank will be in the cycling period for 6 weeks, I'm almost at the end of the 6 week period, I've checked the levels in my tank and everything is fine.

I've been told that I may need to purchase a chiller to help stabilize the temp in my tank, to help keep it between 74 - 76 degrees. Do you feel that I need to purchase a chiller ? Any advice that you can give will be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance for your help with this issue.

Sincerely,
Malcholm

 

[Anemoneman]

As other will tell you, the ocean's reefs are btween 82 and 84 so you are on the chilly side. With an ambient temperature of 76-78, your tank will be at least that warm and the heat put out from the pumps and lights bumps it up to 81. I would set the heater to 81 or 82 to keep the temp constant through the night. Other than that you have nothing to worry about.

 

[Biggen]

Yup, Mark is correct. I keep my tank at around 81-82F. During the winter when it got below 80F at times, I would worry...

 

[srgetz]

I'm almost at the end of the 6 week period, I've checked the levels in my tank and everything is fine.

well if you mean your levels are 0, your cycle is over, 6 weeks is an estimate; perhaps the warm temp helped in speeding the cycle a little

I would like to recommend lr for that tank, best biofilter and fish love the hiding places. Its not that much $$ when you look at the price of fake decor you find in the lfs. A cheaper alternative is dry base rock, it will just slowly become lr. Can be had for ~ $1 / lb. There's an interesting video about lr here: www.tampabaysaltwater.com