Things are heating up!

[dcallen]

Hi,

I have just started a nano-reef system. I have a 10 gallon setup with an Eclipse system. I know this isn't the best possible route to go but it's what I have at the moment. My problem is that the temp is at least 80-81 degrees which in my opinion is too high. What is the best temperature to run the tank at? Also is there anyway I can cool it down a bit maybe to 77-78 degrees? Thanks for the input.


System:

10 gallon tank
Approx. 20 lbs. of live rock
Aragonite sand 2-3 inches deep
Eclipse canopy system/w two lights one daytime and one actinic
50 watt heater

[kreblak]

There are several ways you can cool the tank. First, is the tank located in a position that receives direct sunlight at any point during the day? If so, then move it immediately. A sunbeam can heat up 10 gallons in no time.

If sun isn't your problem, try setting up a fan so that it blows air over the top of the tank, preferably directly over the water surface. Simple, but rediculously effective.

Finally, what temperature is the surrounding air? If the room is one that gets a lot of sun (even though the tank is shaded) then the room may simply be overheating and affecting the tank.

Temperature variations are one of the problems faced by nearly all nanoreef owners because smaller bodies of water just don't hold their temperature as well as larger ones do.

[dcallen]

kreblak,

Thanks for the input. The tank is not in direct sunlight, but it does get warm in that room during the day. Right now the tank is at about 80 degrees. I have considered going with a fan as well and I probably will end up doing that. What is the optimal temp. for the tank? Thanks again...

[VoodooChild]

I personally have my tanks at 81 and I know of many people who run theirs a bit higher. The overall reef average temperature throughout the world is something like 82.6 degrees. You should be having any problems with where you're currently at.

[dcallen]

VoodooChild,

Thanks for the input. Ok good deal then. I was told that ideally my tank should be at around 78 degrees, but if 80-81 is alright then I'm good with that. I just want to make sure that any low light corals that I put in there are ok with that temp. as well as my 6 line wrasse.



Thanks again..:)

[kreblak]

They should be fine at 81 degrees. I prefer 78-79 degrees myself. Just don't let the temperature get over 85. The higher the temperature, the less dissolved oxygen the water can hold, and that can spell trouble for your biofilter and your fish if the temp gets too high.

PS- In my experience there is no "optimum" temperature. If you read three different books, you will get three different temperature recomendations. When I first started, my LFS advised me to keep the tank at 74!

[ChilDawg]

Concur on that...optimum temps seem to be a myth.

I would recommend the purchase of a chiller or you could DIY one to keep the temp in check...

[dcallen]

Thanks guys. I think I can hold the temp at the 80-81 degree mark. ChiliDawg I have considered a chiller but with this little 10 gallon eclipse system I don't really have a lot of options. I have considered changing out my configuration and losing the eclipse canopy for a standard glass top and a power compact setup, but then I have to buy a top for $20.00 ( that's more than the tank cost), then another filter approx. $30-40.00, and finally the lighting prolly around $150.00 or so. I'm not really crazy about dropping another $200.00 in a 10 gallon tank.

[ChilDawg]

I know...it doesn't sound appealing to me, either, to drop that much cash on a 10g!

[dcallen]

Of course having said that I could build a really nice 10 gallon tank to say the least, so at some point if all goes well I may invest the money to do it. I would rather have like a 20-29 gallon though I could do a lot more with it. Still there's something kinda cool about setting up a small tank and having it flourish.


I have one six line wrasse in there at the moment, is all I should have in the tank fish wise? Thanks...

[VoodooChild]

That's all that I would do. I'd think about dropping a few bucks to set up alot of live rock. It's neat to see the wrasses cruising in and out of the holes, alot like Julidochromis. It'll be well worth it. Trust me:rolleyes:

[dcallen]

VoodooChild,

Agreed. As a matter of fact I have about 20lbs. of live rock in the tank now. Your right he is always darting in and out of the rocks he is fun to watch for sure. I really like the six line wrasse a lot, they are a nice looking fish. Thanks for the input.

[kreblak]

Six lined wrasses are nice looking fish. Has he started redecorating the tank for you yet? My friend's wrasse moves every peice of LR he is able to, and churns up the sand at his leisure. It is really fun to watch. He's quite the engineer.

[dcallen]

kreblak,

He hasn't really started that as yet, but he will go into this pseudo underwater ballet exhibition almost every night, where he swims really funny. The first time I saw him doing it I thought he was sick or dying but he seems to be doing fine and looks healthy.

Crossing my fingers....

[Boogiechillin]

Just another idea...hop on Ebay and do a search for computer muffin fans, the kind that are used in PCs. You can typically get a couple with a power supply to drive them for under $15. This might be a necessary step as the weather heats up and preventing the temp from rising above 83-84 degrees gets difficult.

[dcallen]

Boogiechillin,

Hey thanks for the idea. Your right I need to do something for sure because it will get a lot hotter here as the summer progresses and I will have to get something.


Thanks again....
:)

[ChilDawg]

Why go on E-bay? If you have a Comp-USA or similar store nearby, you can buy them for that price or cheaper there!

[dcallen]

It's a good idea, not sure how I'll mount it on the Eclipse canopy though. What kind of power supply would be needed to get this done?


Thanks....