Re: Heating requirements for a large tank


"***" <rem***@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote in message
news:uaugn19ba7nmnlv2quip8catcbtvu2irk1@xxxxxxxxxx
> On Sun, 13 Nov 2005 21:01:01 -0500, "Bill Stock" <Me7@xxxxxxxxxxx>
> wrote:
>
>>I thought there was a thread a while back started by John, who wanted
>>recommendations for a heater in a large tank. But I googled and could not
>>find it.
>>
>>The tank in question has a radius of 34" and a depth of 24", but I'll
>>likely
>>keep the water at 18". This is roughly 200 gallons. I tried a couple of
>>heater calculators on the web, one said 28W (LOL) and the other said 700W.
>>I
>>was hoping for less, but I imagine the 700 is close. Although the same
>>calculator said I need 300-400 watts of light for my 55 gallon. My poor
>>Cardinals would need sun glasses. :) I only want to raise the temp about
>>5°
>>F on average.
>>
>>
> You don't mention where you keep the tank. If it is a heated area,
> you can raise the room temperature close to the desired tank
> temperature. During this last summer, I set the room temperature to
> 77F and let the house A/C keep it there. This winter I will need the
> heaters as I plan to keep the house at 72F, natural gas heating costs
> versus electric tank heater costs being the consideration.

It's in an unheated entryway in the basement. So the temp will be 55-60 on
most days. Ideally I'd like to keep the fish at 60, but 70 would be better
for the plants. These are Goldfish BTW, so the lower temps are not a
problem. But I prefer 60 to avoid any feeding issues.

> Trouble with lights as heaters, what happens when you turn the lights
> off? I have a 29 gallon with a fully enclosed hood that tends to
> overheat while the lights are on. That is with 40 watts of light in
> 29 gallons of water.
>

The light will be suspended at least 2'-3' above the plants to prevent
burning. I don't actually know how much heat they will provide. I'll likely
have to build a cover to hold in the heat.

> I don't think I understand your problem. If your room temperature is
> 70F you need less watts, than if the room temperature is unheated and
> tends to vary through out the day. You can have more than one heater
> in the tank. Lot's of watts means you can heat faster, fewer watts
> means the heating time may be longer and not keep up with the outside
> changes if those are large.
>
> So, what is your room temperature like in the winter?

House is 68 daytime and 60 nighttime.


>
> ***
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>


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