[jfaulk]

Just got everything filled up and started two nights ago. I've got a 30G with 30lbs of live rock, and 40lbs live sand, and just beginning to cycle. My water temp krept up to about 83 at startup with the heater on. I backed the heater off, but it seems to be taking a couple of days to get the temp down to reasonable. Two questions: Is is OK for my live rock to be at this elevated temp for a couple of days, or should I change out some water to bring it down quicker? Any recommendations if this is a long term issue with heat? I'm not real keen on a chiller for a 30G set-up, so I'd be looking for other ideas.

[special salt]

your live rock wll be fine and set the thermostat in your house to about 75 or 76 that should bring it down

[jimw369]

If that doesnt work you will need to get a fan and blow air across the top of your tank causing evaporation which in turn cools your water. Very common especially in the summer months.

[glampka]

Have you turned the lights on yet? If so, what kind of lights do you have? Do you have a glass top? If so, best to remove it since that will trap heat in the tank.

[NATIVEVAMAN]

I personaly dont see anything wrong with a temp of 83.Check the temp in the morning when the lights first come on,and again at night as they go off and see how much of a swing there is.Then we will see if you have a probem.

[jfaulk]

Thanks for the input! The house has been around 74-75 for a couple of days which is what scares me a little, as it will typically get up closer to 80 in the summer when I'm away at work during the day. I do have a glass top that is probably trapping some heat in, but the lights have only been on for about 1-2 hrs a day while the tank is cycling, and are just very basic 24" flourescent. I may have caught the culprit this morning, as the temp was down to 80.5 and the heater came on. It was turned down almost all the way, and is now turned all the way down. I'll put the lights on for a full day this weekend, and watch the temps, then try the fan if I need to. Thanks again.

[Tonz of fun]

Try turning your heater all the way down. All the way. Then turn it straight to the temp you want and tell us how it goes. Also no glass top. Lights cant be directly on the tank. I would start running full light cycles now...

[jfaulk]

It looks like I've got the temp under control. It's been hovering between 80.4-80.8 all day regardless of the lights. The heater just needed to be completely turned down and given a little time to stabilize. Thanks for the help.