I have been arguing this point with some folks for a while and now I am asking for some input. What is the ideal temp for a FOLR tank with primarily tangs and angels
I know what you mean fish only with live rock, but just as a FYI most people include the W in the acronym.... FOWLR :wink:
I keep my tank betwwen 79-80. IMO, you're fine as long as you don't go over 82 or under 75. It's also very important to try to stop temperature fluxuations if any exist.... Its very stressful on the fish to have the tank drop down to say 76 and night and then 81 during the summer days or under metal halides then plummet again during the night.
The only way I can think of to answer this would be based on the inhabitants. If they're from cooler water, you wouldn't want to go that warm. The idea is to try and match the natural environment of the inhabitants as closely as you can. Granted, there are always fluctuations in temperature, but matching the mean temperature of the ocean would be your best goal.
It all comes down to what you would like to keep in the tank. Even though you said tangs and angels, there are different varieties of each that come from completely different environments. You have to try to take all of that into account as well.
After keeping FO tanks for 10+ years, I have found keeping the temp between 80-82 drastically reduces the risk of parasite infections with little effect on the fish. This is my experience.
