Temperature too high in new tank

[Nikki]

I am setting up my first marine tank and am having a significant amount of trouble keeping the temperature down at my 75 F degree target. Even without the lights on (10K and actinic). We had a cold spell and I opened up the top to let some heat out and did get it down to 78, but upon closing it the temp went up to 81. I have an Eheim 2026 which I don't thinkg should be adding any heat to the water and a MaxiJet powerhead which may be. We do not have the heat on in teh house yet and I think we have been about 80 inside, but shoudln't the water be cooler? Any ideas?

Thanks in advance,
Nikki

[Reefland]

I think 75 is much too cool and would be thrilled with a temperature of 80-81, which is more like the tropical waters our animals come from. Shoot for 80-81.

[DlBerlin]

I agree-natural Reef temps are around 82.
I've run my tank-in the low 80's up to 84 for years with no problems.

[jenstaley]

my temp is 78-80 also, but when it gets too high I have couple of gallons of water I keep in the freezer and just float those in the tank..... Be sure to rinse them off really good and remove all labels first!

[#99]

I agree,I run all my tanks at 80 - 85,no problems.If you are running a cold water aquarium then I would suggest a chiller.Tanks run around whatever the ambient temp. is in that area.
Matt

[Nikki]

Fabulous advice and makes my life easier :-) I do wonder how come all the books I read (ok only 2 so far, The Conscientious Marine Aquarist and the New Marine Aquarium) reccomend 75 as the best target temp?

Thanks!
Nikki

[yankeebobo]

Many will have varying opinions. Ours are what works. I certainly will see if anyone else knows for sure why the books state what they do.

Up until a little bit ago, we had the tank in the bedroom with the air on. The temp range was between 77-79. We've moved that into the living room with no AC. (of course, haven't even had to run the AC anyway), but with that move, the temp now ranges betwee 81-83. I have to say, corals look much happier.

In either case, consistency is more imporant than anything. If you run 76-78 - keep it consistent. Swings that will go from 76-81 are not good.