Hmmm... I wonder why my tank has been unhappy...

[Reef55]

Well, here is a prime example of what not so good husbandry can do... I have a display tank, frag tank, refugium, and sump, all plumbed together. Each had its own heater. I say HAD because I found out 5 days ago that 3 were no longer working I discovered this after looking at my tank parameters on aquanotes, from my aquacontroller. Last Sunday night, the 8th, is when I added a new heater (controlled by the aquacontroller this time). Look at the difference in temperature stability since... makes me sick knowing what conditions I put my tank through Some days had an over 4 degree temp swing...

 

[smcnally]

A 4 degree temp swing isn't bad at all. Especially if it is from 78-82. Your tank did dip pretty low in temp though.

 

[shawn]

A 4 degree temp swing isn't bad at all. Especially if it is from 78-82. Your tank did dip pretty low in temp though.

I agree that the temp did get kinda low, but a 3 degree swing (again and again and again, every day) also isn't "good". Your critters thank you for a more stable environment!

 

[SteveJess2000]

Wow.......what program does that for you? That graph is awesome!

Steve

 

[Reef55]

The program is called "Aquanotes" used on a Neptune Aquacontroller II. The website for them is: www.neptunesys.com

Here is a link to my site, you can login as a guest to check it out. Feel free to ask me any questions about it

http://www.mspreef.com/aquanotes/index.asp

Check this thread for a lot of information on controllers in general:

http://216.235.242.50/forums/showthread.php?p=80972

 

[Scuba_Dave]

My tank goes anywhere from 76.5 in winter to 83-84 in the summer
I've never had a problem with letting the temp fluctuate

 

[Reef55]

Dave,
I think that fluctuates throughout the year is probably a more natural thing, but a 3-4 degree swing every day is not.

 

[agent6473]

Mark,
What do you have for your settings as far as the heater programming? Like, what are you on/off temps for heaters and fans?

Chris

 

[Reef55]

Below is my full program (at least this minute!). No fans on the tank anywhere (basement sump does plenty of cooling this time of year).

If Time > 00:00 Then ALM OFF
If Time > 00:00 Then PMP ON
If Time > 16:00 Then MH1 ON
If Time > 22:00 Then MH1 OFF
If Time > 17:00 Then MH2 ON
If Time > 23:00 Then MH2 OFF
If Time > 23:30 Then FUG ON
If Time > 16:30 Then FUG OFF
If Temp < 78.0 Then HET ON
If Temp > 78.2 Then HET OFF
Max Change 020 M Then HET OFF
OSC 016/089 ON/OFF Then TOP ON
If pH > 8.05 Then CO2 ON
If pH < 8.05 Then CO2 OFF
Max Change 010 M Then CO2 OFF
If Temp < 76.0 Then ALM ON
If Temp > 85.0 Then ALM ON
If pH < 8.00 Then ALM ON
If pH > 8.40 Then ALM ON
If Switch1 OPEN Then ALM ON
If Switch1 OPEN Then MH1 OFF
If Switch1 OPEN Then MH2 OFF
If Switch1 OPEN Then CO2 OFF
If Switch1 OPEN Then PMP OFF
Max Change 010 M Then PMP OFF
If Power Fail Then ALM ON
If Battery Low Then ALM ON