Heaters

[Shas]

Here's a DIY submersible heater I stumbled onto in another forum:

http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/to ... tt-element

The discussion below this link might be of interest as well;
they talk about using hot-tub thermostats, etc.

[Eleven11]

Good link. I like his design.

Wow 4000 watts... "Holy electric bill, Batman!"

Here's a DIY submersible heater I stumbled onto in another forum:

http://aquaponicscommunity.com/forum/to ... tt-element

The discussion below this link might be of interest as well;
they talk about using hot-tub thermostats, etc.

[davidstcldfl]

I think most people are using the smaller elements, which I believe, are 1200 watts. That's enough to load up breaker, especially, since most are likely to use a long extension cord to power it....

[Shas]

Yeah, I thought that was an awfully large element as well.
Apparently he could not find smaller elements
that were not made of copper.

It has been brought to my attention that I violated a rule
against posting links to other aquaponics fora.
I didn't mean to offend;
I just saw information pertinent to our discussion
and thought it would be useful to the members here.

Moderators, feel free to delete my post.
I don't understand the reason behind the prohibition,
but my rule-breaking was wholly inadvertent.
Sorry about that.

Shas

[sdanchenko]

This is what I use:
http://www.jefferslivestock.com/1000-wa ... /cp/5F-B1/

Is it safe to use that heater in a fish tank? I am thinking of buying 1 or 2 heaters. Also, are you using build-in thermostat or separate thermostat to turn on/off heater?

[davidstcldfl]

sdanchenko, some of the guys here are using that very same heater.

I think it was Jackalope that posted a picture of his heater, some time ago....It was showing signs of the metal breaking down. If it was his picture, he most likely had it running 24/7 because it's so cold where he lives.
I think badflash uses them too...I wonder if his is holding up to being used ?

I have a similar unit I bought at Tractor supply. It shows no break down of the metal....but I only have used it very little, here in central FL.
Because of the cost of an actuall tempt controller for these heaters, I used a heavey duty timer from the home improvement store. I had it 'on' more, the colder it was to get. Took a little practice to get it right.
NOTE: I was just trying to keep the water temp above/at 60 F...so I had a lots of room for error on getting it too hot.

If you want a tempt contoller....go back one page (page 9) and look at my post. There is a link to a digital controller

[sdanchenko]

Does any one have experience with this Aquarium heater: http://www.ebay.com/itm/110V-150W-Wa...ht_2991wt_1398

One heater per 50Gal fish tank.

[davidstcldfl]

Don't know about that brand...?
If your fish tanks are in a cold basement....the 150 watt, may be barely enough.

[Shas]

I've never heard of that brand,
And I agree, 150w is too small for a 50 gal tank.

Heaters are too important to choose on the basis of purchase price.
A $20 saving can cost you anything
from all of your fish to the shock of your life.
I suggest you use Google to search
"most reliable submersible heater"
or some similar criteria.
I did, and I thought this was an informative response-
http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/toppic ... eaters.htm

Good luck!

[steveconti]

A heater is an object that emits heat or causes another body to achieve a higher temperature. In a household or domestic setting, heaters are usually appliances whose purpose is to generate heating (i.e. warmth). Other types of heaters are Ovens and Furnaces.
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