Heating Storage water in Brute rubbermaid trash can

[BigPoecilia]

Hi everyone,

Anyone have any ideas on how to heat storage water in a Brute Rubbermaid trash can. I was thinking of installing the aquarium heater with suction cups to the side wall of the can. It would only be set at 84 degrees so I didn't think that would be too hot to melt thick plastic.

Thanks,
Lionel

 

[Oddball]

Place the heater in a large Ball jar. The thick glass is made to withstand heat and it won't have any hot spots that can cause damage to the plastic bin.

 

[PostalPenguin]

I kind of doubt that a heater would damage the plastic even if directly against it. Otherwise your fish would get severe burns if they brushed against the heater. I've laid heaters against plastic buckets and never had a problem.

 

[Natalie]

I would use a heater guard or piece of PVC pipe to surround the heater and keep it from directly touching the plastic, just in case there's a hot spot in the heater that's warm enough to damage the plastic.

 

[bob965]

I doubt the heater will get hot enough to damage the can. But you could place a stick or a length of pipe across the top of the trash can. Wrap the heater cord around it, or tie the cord to the pipe with a zip tie so the heater is suspended in the middle of the can away from the walls.

 

[BigPoecilia]

Thank you all for the ideas...


Lionel

 

[junior1]

I would recommend insulating your can and lid. This would save your heater in the long run and save on electricity. Thin foam/rubber matting would work.

If I had to heat 50g+ of water, I would buy (fish box) or build a large insulated box. Best wishes!