I have two heater setups; the first is to keep the temperature up to 76-77 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be done with two 500 watt heaters and will keep the tank heated when the temperature is just below freezing with the wind blowing 5 to 10 miles per hour. The aquarium is insulated on all sides, top and bottom with 2" foam which rests between the exterior walls and the plywood interior.Miles said:
The second heater setup is for doing water changes. There are two 5,500 watt water tank elements in the filter sump each threaded into 1-1/2" bulkhead fitting using a reducer bushing for the element which is only 1". Each heater is supplied by a 220 volt circuit with a 30 amp breaker running a distance of about 70 feet with #10 wire. Heavier wire would have been nicer but with a non-motor strictly resistance load it gets the job done.
If doing a 50% water change I can fill the tank at a rate of 3 gallons per minute. This requires that I raise the temperature of the new city water coming in from 45 up to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
