Mixed reef in the low 70’s

[Sigmund]

I have 3 tanks right now 125 / 50 / 20 gallon. All three are mixed reefs, well stocked with fish. For the last few years I have run the tanks at a lower temp. Started doing it in my 50 gallon at 72, as I have a pair of Seahorses, and a few cooler or deep water species ( Golden Angelfish, Cave Basslet, BSJ). Have a bunch of Seahorse friendly corals in there, all have been going great for over 2 yrs now.

I now run my 125 at 75 degrees, and my 20 at 73 (pair of Catalina Gobies and a few small Caribbean blennies. Corals are great, fish are healthy, no issue with disease. Anyone else run their tanks at lower temps with fish and corals that most say should be in the high 70’s?

 

[sunken3]

i run one tank at 75-76 with a seahorse, fish, nems, hermits, starfish, etc.. no issues - my main tank runs between 77-82 depending on the time of year.

i have read most seahorse temps needs are for disease control more than anything else (though i am sure that some actually need the cold water). i have also seen posts of folks keeping their tanks cold like yours as well. i think quite a few corals/fish can handle the temps with no issue.

 

[davidcalgary29]

I have 3 tanks right now 125 / 50 / 20 gallon. All three are mixed reefs, well stocked with fish. For the last few years I have run the tanks at a lower temp. Started doing it in my 50 gallon at 72, as I have a pair of Seahorses, and a few cooler or deep water species ( Golden Angelfish, Cave Basslet, BSJ). Have a bunch of Seahorse friendly corals in there, all have been going great for over 2 yrs now.

I now run my 125 at 75 degrees, and my 20 at 73 (pair of Catalina Gobies and a few small Caribbean blennies. Corals are great, fish are healthy, no issue with disease. Anyone else run their tanks at lower temps with fish and corals that most say should be in the high 70’s?

Pictures, please.

 

[CanuckReefer]

I run mine at 82-83 max constant. This lower end of spectrum intrigues me equally.....

 

[Sigmund]

Here u go. Don’t have a great camera to take full tank shots. Better at just getting pic of one fish or coral.

 

[davidcalgary29]

Very nice. I'm aiming for the high teens -- 17 or 18C -- with my office build (for a Catalina Goby) if I can get some other livestock. I'm guessing that corals will be a problem at that temperature...

 

[Sigmund]

I have had my Seahorse tank 2nd pic consistently at 72 with no issues to any fish or coral. Was a little scared to go any lower than that. Have had my pair of Catalina gobies at 73-74 with no issues for about 9 months. This is warmer than it should be, trying to find the edge between the fish and corals. If u zoom on the first pic can see one of the Catalina gobies.

 

[CanuckReefer]

Here u go. Don’t have a great camera to take full tank shots. Better at just getting pic of one fish or coral.

What are the Gorgs species? Need some of those! but can't hold it at 72 lol...

 

[Sigmund]

Most I got from KP aquatics. Good prices, good people. Those might be able to go a little colder. Come from S. Florida so I would guess that water gets in the 60’s for part of the year.

 

[davidcalgary29]

Most I got from KP aquatics. Good prices, good people. Those might be able to go a little colder. Come from S. Florida so I would guess that water gets in the 60’s for part of the year.

That would surprise me, as the Gulf Stream would keep ocean temperatures warm even if air temperatures fell. I recall being on Miami Beach one day during a cold snap; it was deserted except for me and my partner and some European tourists, because the high temperature was around 15C. The water was still quite warm, though.

Perhaps some NSP could handle temps in the mid-teens, although feeding would then be a real problem...

 

[Sigmund]

Looked it up water gets to about 70 in Miami in January. Can be even colder in the shallow reefs. Either way, I would not keep any corals long term below 72 or so. Good luck with your future inhabitants.