ok so i got a 180g and im just getting more and more paranoid about putting in the house. my mom doesnt like the size so i was considering downsizing but thats the last thing i want. we have a tent outside for storage and i was wondering if anyone could give me advice on the idea i have. i was thinking of putting insulation on the inside of the tent (i live in northern california so it gets cold at night) and maybe adding a space heater for when it gets very cold. do you guys think temps will be able to hold up consistently if i insulate the tent or do you the the cold temps at night will make the tank temps drop too much. thanks for any help you guys can give
keeping tank in outside tent
- Thread starter amv123
- Start date
I wouldn't personality. If you used indoor equipment out in a tent it may not hold up well. Hot, cold, humidity, ect.... You may be able to use pond equipment however, but if you are going through all that why not get a pond instead.
In conclusion it may work but I don't think you would be happy w/ it.
In conclusion it may work but I don't think you would be happy w/ it.
If you want to try here are some things that will help out...
I'm going to guess that this "tent" is like the portable garages.
1) Get some black construction plastic (visqueen) and put it over the top of the tent (solar heating).
2) Seal the base of the tent by putting sand bags all along the edges.
3) Insulate the tank with Styrofoam sheeting cut to fit for all side and top and bottom. This will prevent radiation cooling. Make cut outs for the filter pieces an lights but keep it close. Make front piece easily removable for viewing.
4) Place the heaters in the returns water flow to keep an even temp. If your going to use a sump or W/D (not recommended for this enterprise) keep a heater in it too. Insulate these well also including the hoses (foam wrap around insulation).
5) Keep an area heater on standby for problem nights.
Good luck, and keep us posted.
Dr Joe
.
I'm going to guess that this "tent" is like the portable garages.
1) Get some black construction plastic (visqueen) and put it over the top of the tent (solar heating).
2) Seal the base of the tent by putting sand bags all along the edges.
3) Insulate the tank with Styrofoam sheeting cut to fit for all side and top and bottom. This will prevent radiation cooling. Make cut outs for the filter pieces an lights but keep it close. Make front piece easily removable for viewing.
4) Place the heaters in the returns water flow to keep an even temp. If your going to use a sump or W/D (not recommended for this enterprise) keep a heater in it too. Insulate these well also including the hoses (foam wrap around insulation).
5) Keep an area heater on standby for problem nights.
Good luck, and keep us posted.
Dr Joe
.
Do a trial fill outside. How long would it have to hold water outside before you would feel safe putting it inside? Also, most homeowners isurance will cover water damage from leaking fishtanks (knock on wood).