What is the recommended temperature for a reef tank?

Keeping your reef's temperature in the "safe zone" is best. If your home gets too cold or too hot, a small window of a few hours gives you time to correct the situation. Try not to keep it way too low or way too high - find that sweet spot and set up cooling and heating accordingly. I prefer 78-80°F as my target temperature range. Here are some links to the things I mentioned: Awesome T-shirts: http://melevsreef.com/catalog/reef-wares 120mm fan: http://melevsreef.com/catalog/120mm-icecap-smart-fan 80mm fan: http://melevsreef.com/catalog/80mm-icecap-smart-fan 100w NeoTherm: http://melevsreef.com/catalog/cobalt-neo-therm-heater Cobalt MJ 900: http://melevsreef.com/catalog/cobalt-mj-pumppowerhead-one-left Newly Designed Vortech driver brackets: http://melevsreef.com/catalog/new-design-vortech-driver-holder 100gpd RO/DI systems: http://melevsreef.com/catalog/100-gpd-5-stage-rodi-system A big huge thank you to all of you for your support. Your messages, gifts, cards, donations and purchases at melevsreef.com are greatly appreciated. This surgery was pretty stressful because I didn't know how it would work out, and not having to worry about surviving the recovery period makes a huge difference. The positive feels you sent helped immensely. And ice cream. Lots of ice cream. :)

What is the recommended temperature for a reef tank? sentiment_very_dissatisfied 17

Reef tank 9 years ago 43,037 views

Keeping your reef's temperature in the "safe zone" is best. If your home gets too cold or too hot, a small window of a few hours gives you time to correct the situation. Try not to keep it way too low or way too high - find that sweet spot and set up cooling and heating accordingly. I prefer 78-80°F as my target temperature range. Here are some links to the things I mentioned: Awesome T-shirts: http://melevsreef.com/catalog/reef-wares 120mm fan: http://melevsreef.com/catalog/120mm-icecap-smart-fan 80mm fan: http://melevsreef.com/catalog/80mm-icecap-smart-fan 100w NeoTherm: http://melevsreef.com/catalog/cobalt-neo-therm-heater Cobalt MJ 900: http://melevsreef.com/catalog/cobalt-mj-pumppowerhead-one-left Newly Designed Vortech driver brackets: http://melevsreef.com/catalog/new-design-vortech-driver-holder 100gpd RO/DI systems: http://melevsreef.com/catalog/100-gpd-5-stage-rodi-system A big huge thank you to all of you for your support. Your messages, gifts, cards, donations and purchases at melevsreef.com are greatly appreciated. This surgery was pretty stressful because I didn't know how it would work out, and not having to worry about surviving the recovery period makes a huge difference. The positive feels you sent helped immensely. And ice cream. Lots of ice cream. :)

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Most popular comments
for What is the recommended temperature for a reef tank?

Kito
Kito - 6 years ago
electrical bill is a killer in my country. with all year at 29'c to 35'c.
is there a brilliant way to cool the room down without using the ac?
melevsreef
melevsreef - 6 years ago
Fans, ventilation both may help. Also, not all AC units are created equal so you can check the power consumption of the unit versus the BTUs it can cool. I did that a few years ago, looking at four different window A/C units that were the same size, but only one of them used less power. So I bought that one.
Lunar Mike
Lunar Mike - 7 years ago
I have a Nuvo 16 with a larger return pump and it stays at about 80 degrees. I have suspected it was the pump creating heat because my heater is turned way down. Lighting is a 150 Kessil Ocean Blue and has minimal heat.

I know this video is a few years old but it helped me out and I will be looking for a new pump. Thanks.
orange crushz28
orange crushz28 - 7 years ago
My aquarium 2 clowns only heater messing up 72...degrees will they be ok till i get new heater
melevsreef
melevsreef - 7 years ago
It's rather cool. How long until you can get a new heater? I'd suggest keeping your tank around 76F to 77F.
Luis Rodz
Luis Rodz - 7 years ago
Mi 40 gallon is at 90 degrees I live in Puerto Rico no AC where the tank is so a chiller is my only option. The tank is cycling so no animals are in danger.
melevsreef
melevsreef - 7 years ago
+Luis Rodz Cooling fans may help lower the amount of time the chiller has to run.
Reagan Ho
Reagan Ho - 7 years ago
I live in a tropical area near Indonesian peninsula and... we just had to use chillers to reef keep no other options tnx for advice! I currently keep my tem at 77degrees
Northern Reef Systems
Northern Reef Systems - 7 years ago
Hey Mel, So I have had my tank running for a bit over 6 weeks... somehow i thought it was more.. I have 2 clowns, 2 Bangai Cardinals. and 9 corals. Hammer, Torch, Star Polyp, Mushroom, Tyree Neon green Leather, Toadstool Leather and 3 Acrapora's on the top rock. The last 2 days I have got Diatoms...... they are covering my sand and glass, I've cleaned them off the glass.. will they go away?
Ive done 15% water changes weekly..and will keep doing that...
Bradford Mummford
Bradford Mummford - 7 years ago
Hi Marc, I noticed your reefing books behind you in this video. I have aquarium corals by Eric borneman, what others would you really recommend for great reef reading? Thanks
viper4hdz
viper4hdz - 7 years ago
my tank is currently stabilized at 82.2 degrees Fahrenheit. is that safe if i wanted to add clownfish or anemones? ps. setting up my first saltwater tanks. please help me.
1GolfJones
1GolfJones - 7 years ago
Try to keep it around 77 - 79 degrees any warmer than that is rough on inverts.
MIKILOFF BADFISH
MIKILOFF BADFISH - 8 years ago
will pray for you
melevsreef
melevsreef - 8 years ago
:)

10. comment for What is the recommended temperature for a reef tank?

Jeff Brown
Jeff Brown - 8 years ago
Thank you for the ever needed information. i started watching for learning this new hobby, now the whole family watches with me. very helpful
Mick Hicks
Mick Hicks - 8 years ago
love your vids.can you tell me the electronic thermometer in this video please.Hope your better.
melevsreef
melevsreef - 8 years ago
That BigTemp Alert thermometer is available online. Check Amazon or Google. It's not very expensive.
Fred Beer
Fred Beer - 8 years ago
Hey hope you're doing well. I had a couple of questions do you think ich can survive in frozen food? The reason I ask is that I have my fish in QT for six weeks now and I want to eradicate ich from my system and wouldn't want all the hard work to be wasted by a piece of frozen food.
melevsreef
melevsreef - 8 years ago
Yes, from one tank to another tank. What are you doing with your frozen food that makes you feel you are transferring anything? Do you dip the frozen food in the tank and put it back in the freezer? Have you watched my feeding video yet? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyC8_ZFbhcs
Fred Beer
Fred Beer - 8 years ago
+melevsreef the reason why I think this is because I wasn't sure if ich could survive the freezing process. Ich could be transferred though water
melevsreef
melevsreef - 8 years ago
I'm not sure why you think there would be ich in your food.
Fred Beer
Fred Beer - 8 years ago
+melevsreef I'm using v2o frozen krill to feed my bta anemone once a week. I'm also using Hikari mysis and brine daily to vary the diet. I hope ich can't survive the freezing process or else I'm wasting time and money quarantining. Thanks for the response back.
melevsreef
melevsreef - 8 years ago
Ich should not survive in frozen state - and it shouldn't be present in your food. What are you using? Are you making your own or buying frozen food at the local fish store?
Joshua Jurgens
Joshua Jurgens - 8 years ago
are you gonna do some videos soon liking the videos you put out
melevsreef
melevsreef - 8 years ago
+Joshua Jurgens Yes, I've just been working on custom acrylic orders daily and haven't had time to edit. I have to make time though. Thanks for the nudge, you and a number of others have been more than patient. It'll be great when they start coming out more frequently again.
David Curl
David Curl - 9 years ago
I am very new to having a saltwater tank, i have a question about temps. I have a 45 gal tank running at 79°F. I just purchased a Kenya tree frag and a Zoanthid. From what i have found so far the Zoanthid should be kept at 72-78°F. Will they be ok in my tank. thank you!
melevsreef
melevsreef - 9 years ago
+David Curl If you keep your tank around 78-79, your two corals will do fine. I've got a variety of zoanthids in my tank and it runs as high as 81.5°F some days. They seem to handle this just fine.
szman167
szman167 - 9 years ago
I have SPS and shoot for 77.2
Dennis Groeneweg
Dennis Groeneweg - 9 years ago
The best reef information on youtube I allways like listening to you others are quit hard to follow. Greeting from holland
melevsreef
melevsreef - 9 years ago
+Dennis Groeneweg Thank you Dennis.
John's Aquatics
John's Aquatics - 9 years ago
Is 80-81 degrees okay?
Timur
Timur - 9 years ago
No more vids? =(
melevsreef
melevsreef - 9 years ago
+Timur Zeinetdinov Several have been posted. I had some recovery time after my surgery.
Rakhu Rakhu
Rakhu Rakhu - 9 years ago
Where did you place your Apex temperature reading? And did you place your thermostat in your sump or in the main tank?
melevsreef
melevsreef - 9 years ago
+Rakhu Rakhu All my Apex probes are in the first section of my sump where the tank water drains in, which is also known as the skimmer zone.

20. comment for What is the recommended temperature for a reef tank?

Mark Stewart
Mark Stewart - 9 years ago
I hope you're feeling ok now. I've been watching your videos for a while and just finally set up an account so I can comment on them.
melevsreef
melevsreef - 9 years ago
+Mark Stewart Welcome and thanks for being a subscriber. :)
TitanWerx
TitanWerx - 9 years ago
Hello, I'm a new subscriber and could use the heater for a new frag tank I'm setting up!
Marshall Elliott
Marshall Elliott - 9 years ago
I need the heater like I need a hole in my head. And that's what she said, so obviously I need it!
Rich Knop
Rich Knop - 9 years ago
Starting up my first 75g saltwater tank and a 100w Cobalt Neo-Therm would be a perfect addition to making sure my new tank can maintain the stable temp necessary.
cobergas
cobergas - 9 years ago
I need the neo therm to make things warmer. :)
Curtis Ness
Curtis Ness - 9 years ago
Great Vid!
ken gazall
ken gazall - 9 years ago
nice product i need a new heater
Amy Calvin
Amy Calvin - 9 years ago
Nothing too exciting here..  My heater has just become more and more unreliable over the last 3 years in my 65 gallon. I would love to have something I could count on.  Especially living here in storm alley where we lose power often and have to switch to a generator to run the tank.
Jenn Helenek
Jenn Helenek - 9 years ago
I live in New England. I need warmth in my life more than anything. This would be so awesome to help keep my oceanic friends in my 2' x 2' inland sea warm and toasty throughout our brutal winters. I will be able to live vicariously through them, whilst dreaming of SCUBA diving in January. Thanks for the awesome reviews!
dwittster
dwittster - 9 years ago
I could really use a nice quality heater to keep things steady!

30. comment for What is the recommended temperature for a reef tank?

Steve Youknow
Steve Youknow - 9 years ago
Id love a neotherm bc it would be the first quality heater iv ever had and it would be the perfect heater for my new 93g cube build
cirquedallas
cirquedallas - 9 years ago
great video and looking good!  yes...of course I need a Neo-Therm, who doesn't?!   Hmmm...may need an Apex next!
Jake Speed
Jake Speed - 9 years ago
Glad to see you back and feeling better, I'm upgrading my BioCube 29 to a JBJ 45RL and need to buy several things, the Neo-Therm Heater is top on my list. The Glass heater on my BioCube 29 broke last week.
The Saltyphish
The Saltyphish - 9 years ago
As always a great video.
Zac Jordan
Zac Jordan - 9 years ago
Glad to see your doing better! Hope your corals recover as well as you.
eric j
eric j - 9 years ago
I need a neotherm, I have never had a thermometer that was acurate or a heater that worked well maybe because quality products are costly, and pricey pieces are hard to come by on a budget love the videos.
Shahin Ruyani
Shahin Ruyani - 9 years ago
Because my old heater recently cooked the tank at 90' F.
Kerstin DeRolf
Kerstin DeRolf - 9 years ago
I had a discussion with a fellow reefer this summer and based on this discussion, raised my tank temperature to 79.  Since then, my corals actually seem to be happier, and in the summer this temperature is much easier to keep.
I do wonder - since my heaters are in the sump, and the hose running water to the tank is not insulated, if raising the temperature another degree would help the tank stay warmer - the temperature is actually measured in the sump...

Also, very glad to hear you are recovering from surgery - hope it truly helps you out!
melevsreef
melevsreef - 9 years ago
+Kerstin DeRolf Based on flow rate, your temperature should be the same system-wide. Feel free to move the temperature probe to the display to see if there is any difference.
GrizFyrFyter
GrizFyrFyter - 9 years ago
I try to keep mine around 80. I get better coral growth at that temp but anything over 82 and I get more algae growth
GrizFyrFyter
GrizFyrFyter - 9 years ago
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
Ken Rosecrans
Ken Rosecrans - 9 years ago
what temp. device is that...i need one for my reef
Lisa Foster
Lisa Foster - 9 years ago
My friend wants to start a freshwater planted aquarium as a start back into keeping fish. I'm helping her get started and that heater mentioned on FB would be very helpful for keeping her fish safe (knowing her...she's gonna get attached!!)
GettAreef
GettAreef - 9 years ago
I'm glad you're back and feeling better! Thank you for the additional Safety Stop with my order I placed (Cyano RX and Vortech holder, although now I see you are coming out with a new, sleeker holder!!). I run the temp in my tank same as yours, 78-79 (but I cheat as I have a chiller if it gets warmer). I'd love to win a Cobalt heater! They are some of the better heaters around
ST1Doppelganger
ST1Doppelganger - 9 years ago
Hope you heal up quickly from your surgery.

I could desperately use the neotherm heater since I'm using a garbage preset tetra aquarium heater on my nuvo 16 gallon foam rock wall build and need to get a good reliable heater for it since it will be a sps tank.
Ashley Ciccarello
Ashley Ciccarello - 9 years ago
Maybe if I won a Cobalt Neo-Therm heater Mr. Grumpypants the Watchman goby wouldn't hate me so much. I think he's still pissy with me for using a cheap and unreliable heater. The goby gods require an offering or they said they'd jump.
Scott Chase
Scott Chase - 9 years ago
Always need some more heaters
melevsreef
melevsreef - 9 years ago
+Scott Chase Scott, are we friends on facebook? If so, please send me a message.
Creative Soup
Creative Soup - 9 years ago
I could use a Cobalt Heater because they are the most accurate and reliable heaters on the market!
William Duong
William Duong - 9 years ago
hey hope your recovery is doing well and speedy. 
thanks  for your help in the hobby
Andrew
Andrew - 9 years ago
Glad to see you are back at it; keep up the good work!
Angel Cervantes
Angel Cervantes - 9 years ago
Hey!!! Your back, yay!!!

50. comment for What is the recommended temperature for a reef tank?

Hectorisking Hinojosa
Hectorisking Hinojosa - 9 years ago
Welcome back great info here!
Bruno Zgraggen
Bruno Zgraggen - 9 years ago
Hello from Switzerland. Trank your for the ever good videos....
melevsreef
melevsreef - 9 years ago
+Bruno Zgraggen Grüezi! I grew up in die Schweitz. :)
exe2112
exe2112 - 9 years ago
Glad you brought up the pumps as a heat source! I have been wonder if you have experimented or know of someone who has on the difference between an AC internal pump like a Mag pump and a DC pump internal pump and the heat produced by each?

Glad your on recovering well! Feel better
Gene Alameda
Gene Alameda - 9 years ago
Glad to see the surgery went well. As for tank temp, I use 77-80 but can his 81 in the summer. Nice to hear your inventory is expanding.
johnVidBozo
johnVidBozo - 9 years ago
Glad to see you back and on the mend!

I like the holder you showed for the Vortech controller. I have a suggestion.

Out here on the left coast we occasionally experience violent earth movement, aka earthquakes. Water can slosh about and sometimes over the tank. During the Napa quake last August a friend lost both his controllers to water slosh. So my suggestion is could you design a roof for the holder? Something to deflect water either spilled or sloshed down the side of the tank.

Thanks.
melevsreef
melevsreef - 9 years ago
+johnVidBozo Sure can, that's not a problem. It would be a special order item, so let me know how many, and if it is a single or double bracket.
Blackbookproduct10ns
Blackbookproduct10ns - 9 years ago
what is your thoughts on the argument that letting your temperature swing (within reason) can actually be beneficial in that it can make corals hardier and more likely to survive an inevitable power loss and/or equipment malfunction resulting in a large temp swing?
This just came to me when you mentioned that some people like super stability and don't allow to swing more than half a degree. Just curious on your thoughts.
melevsreef
melevsreef - 9 years ago
+Blackbookproduct10ns If you keep it in the middle of the target range, then when something catastrophic happens, you have a little cushion to work with. If you discover it runs too hot or too cold, I would get it back to the standard as quickly as possible. The longer it takes, the worse it would be for the livestock.
HobbyDreams
HobbyDreams - 9 years ago
Great to see you back.  Hopefully your back to 100% quicker than expected.
daveonbass79
daveonbass79 - 9 years ago
Glad to see you back and recovering well.
TheDallas1575
TheDallas1575 - 9 years ago
thanks!!..can't wait to see your apex controller video
melevsreef
melevsreef - 9 years ago
+TheDallas1575 Hopefully it will be a good one.
TheBMH28
TheBMH28 - 9 years ago
Welcome back, ( no pun intended LOL) not sure the music on the new intro, it's a bit scary...... The visuals are good though. Looking forward to receiving my coral viewer ;)
melevsreef
melevsreef - 9 years ago
+TheBMH28 Glad you liked it. The fun little intros vary, it won't be scary every time. :) Your viewer shipped last week so you'll get it this week I'd bet. Thanks for your support.
MoneyMarcMes
MoneyMarcMes - 9 years ago
What about 77 degrees for a FOWLR tank?
melevsreef
melevsreef - 9 years ago
+MoneyMarcMes That sounds okay to me, but I'm not a FOWLR expert. I'm really about reefs. Be that as it may, temperature vs. oxygen levels is valid, and some diseases are less prone to take hold at specific temperatures. If you have any concerns, perhaps check that list of fish you have against the advice provided by a site like LiveAquaria.
Janet Diaz
Janet Diaz - 9 years ago
HI, welcome BACK.. was WONDERING WHAT HAPPEN WITH YOU ?
melevsreef
melevsreef - 9 years ago
+Janet Diaz You must have missed my video from about 15 days ago. Lots of pain lead up to long overdue surgery. I'm on the mend now. :)
915Mang
915Mang - 9 years ago
Glad to see you back
Shahin Ruyani
Shahin Ruyani - 9 years ago
Happy to see you're doing better.
Dan Lowery
Dan Lowery - 9 years ago
so glad your back and healing, good things!
yoshi moto
yoshi moto - 9 years ago
Nice to see you back
melevsreef
melevsreef - 9 years ago
+yoshi moto Thanks. :)

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