DIY Radiant heater for my 1500 gallon tank

[VLDesign]

Complete Parts list with cost:
1 x Grundfos UPS15-58FC 3 speed Circulator Pump - $73.00
1 x Pump Flange kit 3/4" plates - $12.00
1 x ETC-111000 Single stage Temperature Controller - $49.00
1 x 100' 1/2" PEX tubing - $22.00
4 x 1/2" PEX x 1/2" MIP Brass adapters - $15.00
1 x 3/4" Boiler Drain Cock - $5.00
3 x 1/2"x3/4" Bushings - $7.50
1 x 3/4" Threaded T - $5.50
1 x Fem Hose adapter to 3/4" - $3.75
2 x Ball Valve body - $8.00
4 x Adapted ends for valve bodies - $6.00
24' 1/2" insultation - $5.00
Grand Total - $211.75

Step 1: Assemble the brass fittings to the drain of the hot water heater. This includes the ball valves and the PEX connector.

This will be where the water returns into the hot water heater after going through the PEX tubing. I couldn't get the original drain cock out of the heater so I had to use the hose adapter to 3/4" fitting to attach it to the T connector to allow the water to return that way.


Step 2: Install copper T into the outlet side of the hot water heater. Then install Valve and PEX connector.

This will be where the water feeds into the PEX tubing.

Step 3: Assemble the circulation pump and mount it to the wall.

Step 4: Wire the controller and pump together

Step 5: Make final PEX tubing connections between pump and water heater.

Step 6: Plug in controller and set heat points.


Pictures:

 

[john73738]

Great Idea....

 

[dawnmarie]

Looks Great.
Once you determine the operating cost and add that to the initial expense you should be able to predict how many years it will be to get a return on your investment.
Don't get me wrong, I like the idea. But, the ROI is the bottom line.

edit: you might look for a heat exchanger/radiator to improve heat transfer and reduce pumping costs.

Someday when it's time to replace your water heater you might want to look at one with an internal solar heating coil, then you could circulate aquarium water thru the water heater (better heat transfer).

A water heater blanket will also reduce your expenses.

 

[VLDesign]

Don't get me wrong, I like the idea. But, the ROI is the bottom line.

Well I needed some form of heaters anyways so IMO the ROI is already been realized because the cost of a 2000 watts of heaters was going to cost me over $200 anyways. Not to mention the operatonal cost of those was sure to be something like $1.00 per day.

I am already ahead of the game from day 1.

And yeah more imporvments can't hurt down the road.

I will have electric consumption estimates later today.

 

[Justalabrat]

This is a real cool design!

 

[dawnmarie]

Well I needed some form of heaters anyways so IMO the ROI is already been realized because the cost of a 2000 watts of heaters was going to cost me over $200 anyways...

I missed that in the original post. I thought you were replacing existing heaters.

I'm not critical , just curious.
I would imagine heating 1500 gallons is a substantial operating expense.
Nice looking tank BTW.
I am quite interested in the cost analysis as I have alredy poured the foundation for my own monster and am still open to ideas for heating.
Thanks for sharing and I look forward to future updates.
Subscribed

 

[VLDesign]

Well the electricity used for the past 24 hours is 1.2 KWH. That also includes the initial heat up from 75 to 82 so the pump was running longer to get that temp up to range. I will leave the Kill-A-Watt meter on for 30 days and let you know those results.

I estimated that it would requre 9-12 KWHs per hour to initially heat 1500 gallons up to the same temp. This was based on a 300 watt heater running on my other tank. This is strictly a guess based on the data I know about my existing 300 gallon tank and it's heaters.

Going to be hard to judge the gas useage from the hot water heater.

 

[tcarswell]

Thanks for the writeup VL. What did the costs end up running for usage if you don't mind my asking ?

 

[leather]

OH NO, is that still your water heater for regular use? That circulator isn't rated for freshwater. It is meant to be used in a closed loop system devoid of oxygen. Also did you put a check valve inline? You will get backfeed and/or gravity flow issues without one. If you want some tips on how to straighten it out I can help.

 

[VLDesign]

OH NO, is that still your water heater for regular use? That circulator isn't rated for freshwater. It is meant to be used in a closed loop system devoid of oxygen. Also did you put a check valve inline? You will get backfeed and/or gravity flow issues without one. If you want some tips on how to straighten it out I can help.

What the hell are you talking about?

Of course it's rated for freshwater what other kind of water would be going through it?

Yes it's the water heater from my house.

It is a closed loop.

Yes, the check valve is in there.