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Heating Q tank
Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 10:08 am
by brother of feeeshpond
Heating Q-tank.
Any ideas on cost effective heating for the tank (pictured in previous post).(for the next few weeks at least) as I need to put a koi in it swiftish.
Now fitted with a shower and fluid bed, [u]pics tonight[/u].
Holding 524 galls at the moment as I didnt fill it .
Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 11:07 am
by Dazzle
If you've just fitted a shower and fluid bed in two days you must know what you're doing.
just get a load of roof insulation, some fish tank heaters and put a heat retaining cover on it (bubble rap if you're struggling).
Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 11:45 am
by brother of feeeshpond
Fitted the ------ in 2 days!
Nah, 4.5 hours with a tea break.
Sorry about the wording of the original question.
What I meant was what size "watt" heaters ?
P.s I haven't fitted any mechanical filtration yet, that will be the big question and job after the heating. The heating is more important at the moment.
Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 12:22 pm
by brother of feeeshpond
Would 2 x 300 watt heaters suffice for the short term?
Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 12:34 pm
by Al
As far as i can remember, a 300w aquarium heater is only rated for around 60 gallons, i have used 2 of theses before though on around 250 gallons, they will work but will not heat to anymore than than 16 or 17c even set at the max. You should be ok as long as the temps dont drop too much at night. If you insulate well you may get away with them.
Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 1:36 pm
by Thorny
Two 300 watt heaters will heat that amount of water no sweat. I have a 550 gallon set up. On that I have two 300watt aquarium heaters. The tank itself is well insulated, but they kept it at 22 degrees all winter no problems at all. That was even with air temps of just a couple of degrees. Now with the weather warming up a bit they are both up to 25 degrees and holding it there with ease. I must add I have a shower fitted on this pond. So taking into account the air chill factor from that, I think they are a very cost effective way to heat a small volume of water.
Justin
Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 1:56 pm
by brother of feeeshpond
Cheers Al and Thorney.
Just popped out and got 3 for the price of 2 x tetra 300watt heaters.
I will put these on tonight when I get home.If all goes well my poorly Kohaku and one other will be in residence and on the mend by tomorrow am.
Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 1:58 pm
by Dazzle
Its all in the insulation. No breaks, just keep wrapping it round.
One of my QT's in the garage is running off 2x 300W at around 24c without a struggle. A good cover does make a big difference.
Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 3:28 pm
by Gazza
Hi Guys,
I run my tank on 2 aquarium heater which are either 200 or 300w heater and have had the heat up to 28c when treating its all down to the insulation and once its heated it stays there

Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 4:21 pm
by Thorny
Kingspan,Kingspan and Kingspan. No heat will ever get out.
Justin
Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 4:42 pm
by brother of feeeshpond
?????????

Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 4:57 pm
by Gazza
Kingspan is the insulation to use

Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 5:05 pm
by brother of feeeshpond
Cheers Gazza
At the moment I have mountains of polystyrene and bubble wrap, so I will attempt to utilise that.
I will certainly take note of Kingspan as a more permanent solution.
Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 5:19 pm
by vippymini
Posted: Fri May 18, 2007 6:49 pm
by Al
Oppps, just checked my aquarium heaters, they are 200w not 300w....
