Proper temperature for FOWLR tank

[mnl119]

I have a FOWLR tank (187 gallon+maybe 20 gallons in the sump) setup for keeping larger angels and numerous other species that wouldn't do well in my mixed reef, including a trigger and some tangs. The tank normally runs at ambient plus about 8F. I have the house at about 76F, meaning I'd see ~84F in the tank, if I didn't have a 1/3HP JBJ chiller on it. I'm currently keeping the tank at 80-81F, which kicks the chiller on about every 6 hours or so.

My questions is... what do you normally keep your FOWLR at temperature-wise? I know some don't even use a chiller in this scenario and live with temps in the mid 80's and the fish seem fine, but that seems like it'd be on the cutting edge of losing the fish. I wouldn't mind turning it up to 81-82F (up one degree from current). The reason being the chiller puts out a fair amount of heat and heats up the room quite a bit during the summer months.

Any thoughts?

 

[harrylarry]

The same as any saltwater tropical tank 76-80…

 

[fodsod]

I keep my FOWLR tank at 78. It can range 77-79 but usually stays right around 78. All the critters seem happy at that temp.

 

[Reefer Matt]

I keep mine around 78°F mostly. It seems something is heating up your water if your home is 76°. I'd find the cause of that and try to eliminate it. A fowlr tank doesn't require high intensity lighting, and the lights shouldn't be heating up the tank that much. Maybe a pump needs cleaning, or heater is stuck on? Either way, with higher temperatures, you will want more dissolved oxygen in the tank for the fish if it gets too high, as oxygen decreases with higher temperatures.

 

[mnl119]

The same as any saltwater tropical tank 76-80…

Do you have a chiller?

 

[revhtree]

I wonder if there is a “more comfortable” temperature for fish since you don’t have coral?

 

[mnl119]

I keep mine around 78°F mostly. It seems something is heating up your water if your home is 76°. I'd find the cause of that and try to eliminate it. A fowlr tank doesn't require high intensity lighting, and the lights shouldn't be heating up the tank that much. Maybe a pump needs cleaning, or heater is stuck on? Either way, with higher temperatures, you will want more dissolved oxygen in the tank for the fish if it gets too high, as oxygen decreases with higher temperatures.

The UV and pump give off about 50-75 watts as latent heat. The skimmer pump probably adds about 10 watts as latent heat too. Also, the tank is on a wall that gets a fair amount of direct sun in the morning. Lighting is given by two VIparspectra v165 LED lights, but they are not at full intensity, and are also separated by acrylic lids on top of the tank. I can't imagine they add much. Tank seems to heat up the same at night as it does during the day.

Your point about oxygen is interesting... had not thought of that. I think I'll keep it at 80-81F for that reason alone.

 

[harrylarry]

Do you have a chiller?

No. I do not need one.

 

[exnisstech]

Coral and fish live together so wouldn't the preferred temp be the same for a fowlr as a mixed reef?
EDIT : I keep mine 77 - 78 but mixed reefs not fowlr but I have plenty of fish.

 

[Thumbster]

If you have an acrylic/glass lid covering your tank it will hold in heat. If you take the lid off it should cool down. You’ll have more evaporation though.