anyone want to share thoughts on running a tank at 73 degrees?

[jeittreim]

I have been debating lowering the temp in my tank to 73 degrees. I have heard this is doable and limits algae growth and risks of infections. any thoughts? my tank has various Zoa's, mushrooms, some acropora, and a closed brain...

Any thoughts?

[jcnkt_ellis]

We keep equatorial animals in our reef setup, the lower threshold for them is 76 degrees. It may work short term, but there would most likely be long term consequences. If you want to maintain a tank at 73 degrees there are cold water specimens like Catalina gobies and colonial anemones that can tolerate tank temperatures up to 73 degrees.

Also, there is still algae and diatoms at colder temperatures, just a different variant of what you currently have and they would develop in time.

Also, the biological process of breaking down waste takes from ammonia to nitrite to nitrate takes longer in colder water.

Basically, go cold water if you want that setup, not because you want an easier to keep equatorial tank.

[aquasport24]

Running an UV light will do the same but less energy and less real estate taken.

[rrasco]

I don't run a chiller or heaters so during "winter" my tank runs cool, 70-73*. Right now it's only 75*.

[alton]

My tank during summer 77-79, and during winter 70 -75. Will it control disease? Maybe, will it control algae I doubt it.