Heating your tank with your water heater

A long time ago, in another forum, this guy posted how he uses his water heater to heat his tank.......it involved water being pumped directly from the water heater, through tubing that was coiled in his sump, then went back to the water heater.......all being controlled with a ranco controller and a pump. I believe it only cost him roughly $200 to set it up.......anyone have that link or care to expand on the idea?

 

Seems like it would be very hard to control the temp in your tank. Was there some sort of temperature switch for the pump?

Too much trouble for little gain, IMO

 

Heaters are about 30.00!!!!

 

Yeah, but when you consider the cost of heating a large tank, a 30.00 heater doesnt cut it. Im going to try to look for it some more. basically, how it worked was a pump was controller by the ranco temperature controller......when the tank fell below a specific temp, the pump would kick on. After the desired temp was achieved in the tank, the pump would kick off.

 

How large are you talking??? I have a 300w that carries my 150 no problem. I know of others with 300+ tanks that just run 2 300w heaters.

 

I guess it would be possible, but highly unpractical. To get any conductivity between the heat exchange at all, you would have to use copper, which is a big no no with reefs!
And I don't see why it would be worth it? I mean, what size tank are we talking about here? 800-1500 gallons? More?

 

+1

Also, what happens when a tube fails? Then you have tap water, possibly with copper in it spilling into your tank.

 

I dont know, just seemed like a good idea to save money really. When I had my 75, I HATED how much the heater alone raised the electricity bill. Were not talking a huge tank though, Im looking at a 120 at the moment.

 

Well, The heaters would probably be cheaper.
Unless the tank is set-up right next to the water heater, you are going to need massive pump power to do it. Pump(s) alone would be more than that supposed $200. Plus, the pumps needed for that type of distance are going to eat up the electric bill just as much as heaters would, if not more.

 

seems like alot of wasted effort for very little gain. ive found to run my system, lights,pumps,heater and such about 25 a month. and alot more safe in regards to malfunctions in that type setup i would think. but if you do it, keep us posted. you might start a new craze. lol. good luck