Temp parameters for FO??

C

charley75

Just curious, are the temp parameters different for a FO tank verses a reef? I was debating relocating my 29gal reef to my classroom (5th grade science), but am concerned about temp swings because the AC is shut off at 3:30pm. I'm not quite sure if I'm willing to risk it. So now I'm thinking about setting up a FO or FOWLR instead, but wasn't sure about temp. I'm still kind of considering the reef though....maybe I could put a big fan on a timer next to the tank that would come on at 3:30 every day.
Any input appreciated.
Thanks,
Charley
 
Not sure...I have two fans on my reef that keeps it 2 degrees higher than the room. I know that fish can generally tolerate more than corals, but I'd be worried about power outages, etc. Plenty of schools do it, but you'd have to really watch it.

Maybe set the tank up and monitor the water temp without fish in it as a test...or cycle the water during the "hot" time of year and add fish when it cools off since it's easier to heat a tank than to cool it...
 
Thanks for the reply Misty. I can't decide what to do...I just know it would be a great learning tool for the kids. I wanted to have my students research the possible inhabitants and discuss the reasons why/why not to add certain animals.
Charley
 
Well, just for kicks, I would set the aquarium up in that location and see just how hot the temperature may reach. Obviously, you wouldn't want it hovering around the mid-80's, and secondly, you would want to avoid major swings throughout the day. Keep in mind, some aquariums run a little bit warmer than others during the summer, so what you may discover during this weather may not hold true later on in the year.

As for potential side-effects for the fish, obviously the corals would suffer it became too hot. But also keep in mind that when dealing with fish, the warmer the water, the more it increases their metabolism; fish would require more frequent feedings, then produce more waste, which leads to more water changes. =)
 
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