What is the effect of having a reef tank at 72-74 degrees?

[Paolissimo]

What would the effect be on a reef tank that is kept at around 72-74degrees? Only reason I am asking is because i think my display tank has been been kept on the colder side, I have a thermometer in the sump and it says 78. But lately i been putting my hands in the display tank and it felt "cold" So i got another thermometer, same brand as the one in the sump and it says 72-74 depending on the time of the day. I been complaining to my self of slow growth or no growth at all in my tank, even death of some acro, can a low temp be the reason?
PS my Heater is only a 100w for a total volume of water of about 100gallon.
Thank you

 

[duromega]

100w is not enough for 100g of water

 

[Paolissimo]

Yes I know that, in the summer it was OK, I have to buy another one or add another 100 w heater, but what r the effect of low temperature on the tank, i am curious if slow growth is one.

 

[Tonyscoots84]

I have always kept my tanks at 78-80f. If it was at that temp. i would SLOWLY raise it back up to where it should be.

 

[Paolissimo]

I didn't mean to keep it that cold, I never realized it.

 

[edd]

Yes I know that, in the summer it was OK, I have to buy another one or add another 100 w heater, but what r the effect of low temperature on the tank, i am curious if slow growth is one.

i think they recommend 3 watts per gallon depending on room temp.
your better off with 2 so if 1 fails you still have some heat.

 

[oh207]

I've read that as a rule, lower temp results in lower metabolism for fishes. Don't know if the same would apply to corals.

 

[cmantis]

You can keep sea horses and catalina gobies

 

[prattreef]

72 is edging toward the lower end of the safety zone. 74 is not bad at all. At these lower temps you will likely see somewhat slower growth, but no other negatives IME.

 

[MIKE NY]

also depends on the species of corals/fish ..some are hardier than others which could explain some of the acro deaths..we keep our reefs between 78-82* because that is the comfort zone for the majority of animals we keep, but that doesn't mean that some species can't thrive in lower or higher temps..

 

[e_baer]

The natural reefs have a huge range of temps ranging from the high 60's to the mid 90's. We say 72-82 degrees because its in the middle of the extremes.