severe temperature fluctuation, beneficial?

Varga · 07-03-2008, 03:06 AM

Due to heat wave in Seattle, I have been dropping my temperature down to 73 in the PM and letting room temp take it up to 83 in the AM.

I was worried at first, but I'm noticing very positive results. corals are more open than they have ever been, fish are happy and active, even mangroves are growing faster than ever!

My question is, could this be beneficial? or will I see some negative results on the long run?

funkpolice · 07-03-2008, 07:43 AM

how about few before and after shots.
bill

mps9506 · 07-03-2008, 10:29 AM

I have to say in my experience I had a totally different result. My sps tanks grew very slowly until I got my temperature stabilized. After I got my temps stabilized with the right timers and fans my coral growth was much better. My tank was fluctuating between 74 and ~82 or 83 degrees (who knows for sure, I don't know how accurate my digital thermometer actually was). Once I got it stabilized to stay between ~75-79 I noticed much better coral growth.

BigAl07 · 07-03-2008, 11:30 AM

I would venture to guess (this is ONLY a guess) it depends on WHAT corals you have. Shallow water corals may be better adapted to temp swings because it's not rare for shallows to have a larger temp swing. Inversely the deeper water corals don't see hardly ANY day to night or day to day swing. Yes there will be a slight seasonal shift but it's slow and over a much longer period of time.

How's that for "riding the fence" on a subject.

kinghokus420 · 07-03-2008, 12:09 PM

my tank can go from 76-84 in a day during the summer. I dont see any adverse effects on the corals that have been in there a while. my new pieces usually dont like it and pale at first but adapt fairly quickly and color up well.

Woodstock · 07-03-2008, 12:50 PM

If it is working for you, great!
I know Heinz's reef has a large fluctuation in temp but I can't remember just how much. Maybe he can chime in..

framerguy · 07-03-2008, 12:55 PM

Yeah, this goes against everything thing I've heard and experienced! Heinz...where are you?!

reefsmoker · 07-03-2008, 12:58 PM

I'm no biologist, But it would seem that 2-4 degree flux in temp would be more like natural conditions, even deeper corals could and most likely are around many under-tow currents and fluctuations in at least 2-4 degrees.... i don't know - just some discovery channel i.q. going on here, heh

BigAl07 · 07-03-2008, 01:28 PM

*lol* on occasion yes "things" change but for the most part once you get away from the coast and or get deep the ocean is fairly constant. with the exception of a massive storm or something the temps are slow to change one way or the other....

hma · 07-03-2008, 02:20 PM

Corals are exceptionally sensitive to fluctuations in temperature. The ideal water temperature is between 25° C and 30° C. If the water warms to over 30°C, the microscopically small zooxanthellae which provide the corals with food die first, followed by the corals themselves. The reefs of Indonesia are considered as the species-richest ones on earth, a reason for it are the nearly constant temperature.

Stronger variations in temperature of the oceans are considered than a cause for the coral bleaching. Seasonal fluctuations of 2-5° C are considered as normal. Dailytemporally the temperature should not more than 1-2 degrees varying. Negative effects of strong dailytemporal variations in temperature are among other things an intensified growth of algae and Cyanos.

In the coral reefs of Indonesia, for example, the water temperature nearly the whole year within the range between 25° - 27°C. My aquariums are underlying (Computer-controlled (IKS)) exactly these variations. In summer the temperature is in the area of 26 – max. 28°C, in winter the temperature is almost consistently with 25°C. At temperatures more than 27°C as well as under 25°C a lower coral growth is to be noted.

This article makes clear the dependence rather well.

Woodstock · 07-03-2008, 02:25 PM

Thanks Heinz!

BigAl07 · 07-03-2008, 02:42 PM

Excellent write up Heinz! Good to see you buddy

reefsmoker · 07-03-2008, 03:37 PM

well that cleared that up, i vote heinz #1 ! i was kinda close right? hehe

BigAl07 · 07-03-2008, 05:03 PM

Just for fun & games check out this thread.... it's directly related to what we're discussing here... sort of kind of... right?

Bleaching tied to overheating?

It sucks JT had to experience this but hopefully not ALL is lost. Sometimes they CAN recover!!

fatman · 07-20-2008, 09:04 AM

As long as you are not easily overwhelmed this is an excellent site to obtain information. It is a posting site for professional papers on coral reefs. There are several thousand articles that can be downloaded. You must register and provide a factual email address so as they can send you a affirmation link that will allow your first log on. You can however use a fictitious name and other information. Most contributers are doctorate degreed researchers, from academic, private and the government sector. With out registration all you can open up or download are abstracts, that are much more limited. It might be more scientific than quite a few reefers would like.

This is the link.
ReefBase :: A Global Information System For Coral Reefs

07-03-2008, 03:06 AM	#1 (permalink)
Varga Manta Ray Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Seattle, WA Posts: 3,355 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	severe temperature fluctuation, beneficial? Due to heat wave in Seattle, I have been dropping my temperature down to 73 in the PM and letting room temp take it up to 83 in the AM. I was worried at first, but I'm noticing very positive results. corals are more open than they have ever been, fish are happy and active, even mangroves are growing faster than ever! My question is, could this be beneficial? or will I see some negative results on the long run? __________________ Varga's Cube http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...on-cube-5.html

07-03-2008, 07:43 AM	#2 (permalink)
funkpolice Reef Lobster Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Orland Park IL Posts: 1,396 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: severe temperature fluctuation, beneficial? how about few before and after shots. bill

07-03-2008, 10:29 AM	#3 (permalink)
mps9506 Totally back Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Wilmington, NC Posts: 8,525 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: severe temperature fluctuation, beneficial? I have to say in my experience I had a totally different result. My sps tanks grew very slowly until I got my temperature stabilized. After I got my temps stabilized with the right timers and fans my coral growth was much better. My tank was fluctuating between 74 and ~82 or 83 degrees (who knows for sure, I don't know how accurate my digital thermometer actually was). Once I got it stabilized to stay between ~75-79 I noticed much better coral growth. __________________ Mike Reefkeeping Since '99 Help Build Reefpedia Premium Memberships Available! Support Reef Sanctuary Sponsors

07-03-2008, 11:30 AM	#4 (permalink)
BigAl07 Do I look as lost as I am Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Waynesville, North Carolina Posts: 21,549 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: severe temperature fluctuation, beneficial? I would venture to guess (this is ONLY a guess) it depends on WHAT corals you have. Shallow water corals may be better adapted to temp swings because it's not rare for shallows to have a larger temp swing. Inversely the deeper water corals don't see hardly ANY day to night or day to day swing. Yes there will be a slight seasonal shift but it's slow and over a much longer period of time. How's that for "riding the fence" on a subject. __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ *Live Rock Rubble will do the SAME thing as Bio-Balls and is NOT a suitable replacement for BIO-BALLS in a Reef System! It's ALL gotta go!!* Nitrate (NO3) reduction is directly proportional to percentage of Water Change. Allen's home-made formula...currentNO3-((%WC.01)currentNO3)=finalNO3 (thanks Luukosian) This means if you change 50% of your total water volume (That's EVERYTHING) you'll get a net reduction of (NO3) somewhere around 50%. Ask me about how to increase your REEF budget without going without FOOD!!* Big Al's 10g Julie's (BigAl's Gal) 6g NanoCube Gone but not forgotten BigAl's Slow 90g Tank Chronicle Allens OFFICE 12g Nano-Reef

07-03-2008, 12:09 PM	#5 (permalink)
kinghokus420 Scopas Tang Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: paradise ca.(northern) Posts: 444 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: severe temperature fluctuation, beneficial? my tank can go from 76-84 in a day during the summer. I dont see any adverse effects on the corals that have been in there a while. my new pieces usually dont like it and pale at first but adapt fairly quickly and color up well. __________________ josh Chico Reef Club chicoreefclub.org

07-03-2008, 12:50 PM	#6 (permalink)
Woodstock The Wand Geek was here. ;) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 25,501 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: severe temperature fluctuation, beneficial? If it is working for you, great! I know Heinz's reef has a large fluctuation in temp but I can't remember just how much. Maybe he can chime in.. __________________ ~Doni Marie~ *GOT ICH???* *My Victorious Battle with ICH* 120 Reef Chronicle ~ *Breeding Picasso Clownfish~* *Massive 300 gal growout~* *My Anemone & Picasso Tank ~* *Picasso & Snowcasso for sale~* "Energy and persistance conquer all things." Benjamin Franklin __________________________________________________ ______________________________________________

07-03-2008, 12:55 PM	#7 (permalink)
framerguy Tridacna maxima Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Clarkesville, Ga Posts: 4,994 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: severe temperature fluctuation, beneficial? Yeah, this goes against everything thing I've heard and experienced! Heinz...where are you?! __________________ ___________________________________ Greg All time fav quote: "Now and then it's good to pause in our pursuit of happiness and just be happy."-Guillaume Apollinaire "Being happy can be as easy as deciding to be!"-Greg Kimsey (framerguy) 375gDT built in wall, 100g sump, Sequence Hammerhead closed loop, DIY light system w/4x 250MH & 4x54w T5, Aqua C EV-400 skimmer etc, etc, etc... http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...areum-too.html

07-03-2008, 12:58 PM	#8 (permalink)
reefsmoker Sea Pen Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 341 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: severe temperature fluctuation, beneficial? I'm no biologist, But it would seem that 2-4 degree flux in temp would be more like natural conditions, even deeper corals could and most likely are around many under-tow currents and fluctuations in at least 2-4 degrees.... i don't know - just some discovery channel i.q. going on here, heh

07-03-2008, 01:28 PM	#9 (permalink)
BigAl07 Do I look as lost as I am Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Waynesville, North Carolina Posts: 21,549 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: severe temperature fluctuation, beneficial? lol on occasion yes "things" change but for the most part once you get away from the coast and or get deep the ocean is fairly constant. with the exception of a massive storm or something the temps are slow to change one way or the other.... __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ *Live Rock Rubble will do the SAME thing as Bio-Balls and is NOT a suitable replacement for BIO-BALLS in a Reef System! It's ALL gotta go!!* Nitrate (NO3) reduction is directly proportional to percentage of Water Change. Allen's home-made formula...currentNO3-((%WC.01)currentNO3)=finalNO3 (thanks Luukosian) This means if you change 50% of your total water volume (That's EVERYTHING) you'll get a net reduction of (NO3) somewhere around 50%. Ask me about how to increase your REEF budget without going without FOOD!!* Big Al's 10g Julie's (BigAl's Gal) 6g NanoCube Gone but not forgotten BigAl's Slow 90g Tank Chronicle Allens OFFICE 12g Nano-Reef

07-03-2008, 02:20 PM	#10 (permalink)
hma Golden Moray Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Frankfurt, Germany Posts: 2,653 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: severe temperature fluctuation, beneficial? Corals are exceptionally sensitive to fluctuations in temperature. The ideal water temperature is between 25° C and 30° C. If the water warms to over 30°C, the microscopically small zooxanthellae which provide the corals with food die first, followed by the corals themselves. The reefs of Indonesia are considered as the species-richest ones on earth, a reason for it are the nearly constant temperature. Stronger variations in temperature of the oceans are considered than a cause for the coral bleaching. Seasonal fluctuations of 2-5° C are considered as normal. Dailytemporally the temperature should not more than 1-2 degrees varying. Negative effects of strong dailytemporal variations in temperature are among other things an intensified growth of algae and Cyanos. In the coral reefs of Indonesia, for example, the water temperature nearly the whole year within the range between 25° - 27°C. My aquariums are underlying (Computer-controlled (IKS)) exactly these variations. In summer the temperature is in the area of 26 – max. 28°C, in winter the temperature is almost consistently with 25°C. At temperatures more than 27°C as well as under 25°C a lower coral growth is to be noted. This article makes clear the dependence rather well. __________________ Heinz If you have a great hurry, go slowly. The secret of a successful reef-keeping is balance. Instead of doing everything faster, do everything at the right speed. The Seawater Encyclopaedia Brown Jelly Treatment The Balling Method My Chronicle and www.reefdreams.de as well as mobile.reefdreams.de

07-03-2008, 02:25 PM	#11 (permalink)
Woodstock The Wand Geek was here. ;) Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 25,501 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: severe temperature fluctuation, beneficial? Thanks Heinz! __________________ ~Doni Marie~ *GOT ICH???* *My Victorious Battle with ICH* 120 Reef Chronicle ~ *Breeding Picasso Clownfish~* *Massive 300 gal growout~* *My Anemone & Picasso Tank ~* *Picasso & Snowcasso for sale~* "Energy and persistance conquer all things." Benjamin Franklin __________________________________________________ ______________________________________________

07-03-2008, 02:42 PM	#12 (permalink)
BigAl07 Do I look as lost as I am Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Waynesville, North Carolina Posts: 21,549 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: severe temperature fluctuation, beneficial? Excellent write up Heinz! Good to see you buddy __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ *Live Rock Rubble will do the SAME thing as Bio-Balls and is NOT a suitable replacement for BIO-BALLS in a Reef System! It's ALL gotta go!!* Nitrate (NO3) reduction is directly proportional to percentage of Water Change. Allen's home-made formula...currentNO3-((%WC.01)currentNO3)=finalNO3 (thanks Luukosian) This means if you change 50% of your total water volume (That's EVERYTHING) you'll get a net reduction of (NO3) somewhere around 50%. Ask me about how to increase your REEF budget without going without FOOD!!* Big Al's 10g Julie's (BigAl's Gal) 6g NanoCube Gone but not forgotten BigAl's Slow 90g Tank Chronicle Allens OFFICE 12g Nano-Reef

07-03-2008, 03:37 PM	#13 (permalink)
reefsmoker Sea Pen Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Indiana Posts: 341 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: severe temperature fluctuation, beneficial? well that cleared that up, i vote heinz #1 ! i was kinda close right? hehe

07-03-2008, 05:03 PM	#14 (permalink)
BigAl07 Do I look as lost as I am Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Waynesville, North Carolina Posts: 21,549 View Gallery Karma Komment Add yours!	Re: severe temperature fluctuation, beneficial? Just for fun & games check out this thread.... it's directly related to what we're discussing here... sort of kind of... right? Bleaching tied to overheating? It sucks JT had to experience this but hopefully not ALL is lost. Sometimes they CAN recover!! __________________ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~~~ *Live Rock Rubble will do the SAME thing as Bio-Balls and is NOT a suitable replacement for BIO-BALLS in a Reef System! It's ALL gotta go!!* Nitrate (NO3) reduction is directly proportional to percentage of Water Change. Allen's home-made formula...currentNO3-((%WC.01)currentNO3)=finalNO3 (thanks Luukosian) This means if you change 50% of your total water volume (That's EVERYTHING) you'll get a net reduction of (NO3) somewhere around 50%. Ask me about how to increase your REEF budget without going without FOOD!!* Big Al's 10g Julie's (BigAl's Gal) 6g NanoCube Gone but not forgotten BigAl's Slow 90g Tank Chronicle Allens OFFICE 12g Nano-Reef

07-20-2008, 09:04 AM	#15 (permalink)
fatman Has been struck by the ban stick Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Alaska Posts: 552 View Gallery Karma Komment	Re: severe temperature fluctuation, beneficial? As long as you are not easily overwhelmed this is an excellent site to obtain information. It is a posting site for professional papers on coral reefs. There are several thousand articles that can be downloaded. You must register and provide a factual email address so as they can send you a affirmation link that will allow your first log on. You can however use a fictitious name and other information. Most contributers are doctorate degreed researchers, from academic, private and the government sector. With out registration all you can open up or download are abstracts, that are much more limited. It might be more scientific than quite a few reefers would like. This is the link. ReefBase :: A Global Information System For Coral Reefs

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)