Summer is coming up and idk what to do

[elcapitan1993]

So this is going to be my first summer with a reef tank and I’m pretty worried about the heat, I cannot really afford a chiller and my tank is 90 gallon with a 20 gallon sump, the heat on my freshwater tanks get around 84-85 degrees in the summer so I’m guessing that’s what will happen with the reef tank, what are some things I can do to make sure my temp doesn’t fluctuate to much or get to high?

 

[Topekoms]

Lower the temp to a lower standard

 

[ThePurple12]

84-85 should be fine, but definitely on the high end.

 

[Epic Aquaculture]

So this is going to be my first summer with a reef tank and I’m pretty worried about the heat, I cannot really afford a chiller and my tank is 90 gallon with a 20 gallon sump, the heat on my freshwater tanks get around 84-85 degrees in the summer so I’m guessing that’s what will happen with the reef tank, what are some things I can do to make sure my temp doesn’t fluctuate to much or get to high?

A clip on fan over the sump should help quite a bit.

 

[elcapitan1993]

Lower the temp to a lower standard

Wouldn’t it still jump?

 

[elcapitan1993]

A clip on fan over the sump should help quite a bit.

I thought about that, it would help enough to keep my tank normal temp?

 

[elcapitan1993]

84-85 should be fine, but definitely on the high end.

Really? Most of the guides on corals say never to let it go above 80 degrees

 

[Epic Aquaculture]

I thought about that, it would help enough to keep my tank normal temp?

It will definitely help, but how much depends on your humidity as it is evaporative cooling. I live in AZ and don't need a chiller as I use fans, but our humidity is usually around 10% so this is a very effective method.

 

[Jekyl]

Home A/C is how I manage mine. I wouldn't let it get to 84 though. Some type of chiller or a window ac or home ac is probably needed

 

[Azedenkae]

I thought about that, it would help enough to keep my tank normal temp?

'Normal', maybe not. But low enough to survive through the summer, perhaps.

I had a tank before in a garage in Australia, temperature can easily reach >90F outside and well, in the garage too, but the fans somehow managed to keep it cool enough.

 

[Tiki Reef Joshua]

You would be surprised what a good fan blowing over the sump will do. You can also add additional fan(s) to top of tank/canopy. Really get evaporation working. On super hot days keep canopy and cabinet open. What kind of lights? You could decrease lighting a bit on hotter days if running T5s or something.

 

[Fezbearer]

Get a clip on fan. I also have 4 of those "blu ice" gel packs that in the freezer.

 

[Tiki Reef Joshua]

Emergencies you can throw a sealed cold pack or ice bag in sump.

 

[00W]

I leave the window open at night and float bags of ice in the sump if the temp starts heading up.

 

[ThePurple12]

Really? Most of the guides on corals say never to let it go above 80 degrees

I would call that a myth. The problem is when the temperature spikes very quickly, and not just when it’s high. 85 is actually a normal temperature for a lot of wild reefs with thriving corals.

 

[Jekyl]

I would call that a myth. The problem is when the temperature spikes very quickly, and not just when it’s high. 85 is actually a normal temperature for a lot of wild reefs with thriving corals.

That may be but there's no way I'd let my tank get that hot. Consensus is 77 to 78. Rather go with the flow than roll the dice.

 

[Jekyl]

OCEANS AQUARIUM

oceansaquarium.com

This article reported health issues and fish loss at temperatures above 83

 

[ThePurple12]

This article reported health issues and fish loss at temperatures above 83

That's the first I've heard of it. It could easily be a different problem unrelated to temperature. My fish do fine at 83-84 in the summer, and every time I add a fish with ich, the ich goes away.

 

[Biglew11]

One problem with saltwater and higher temps is that saltwater can hold less oxygen in the first place, and the warmer the water gets the less oxygen it can hold. Not usually a problem with a lightly stocked tank or one with small fish.

Power heads and fans pointed at the surface can do wonders.

I have 4 4inch fans in my canopy that turn on when temp gets around 80. If temp continues to climb to 83 my t5s turn off. If temp still climbs to 84 I have my 2 kessil a360x turn off. I also have 4 5lb cooler blocks in the freezer.

 

[Uncle99]

Just blow a fan across the top, and make sure your not close to any windows.

It doesn’t have to be a hurricane, just steady and quiet.