thinking if i wrap my tanks with this stuff it might help hold the heat in em for alot cheaper than foam, what you think?- http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs...3&productId=100020855&N=10000003+90044+527399
would this help my tanks hold in heat?
- Thread starter dmopar74
- Start date
for sure, but make sure its applied smoothly without air pockets, if its a permanent app. spray adhesive would work well.
dmopar74;2383496; said:
I have used Reflectix on reptile enclosures and have even used it to temporarily insulate rooms that housed reptiles. It is a very effective blocker of radiant heat.
You will actually want to wrap this a bit loose on the tanks, not tight. The reason being that if the Reflectix is in tight contact with the tank heat can then move through the aluminum conductively. You need the air space so it's only blocking radiant heat. This is the reason for the bubble-wrap like interior and the company also recommends an addition air space when installing.
One of my local ACE Hardwares sells a similar radiant barrier insulation by the foot. Look into that if you don't need an entire roll. It's not Reflectix but I understand all of these work pretty similar. I have only used the Reflectix brand.
Check with Jed, he's got a 200 gal in the garage wrapped with some stuff and it seems to be working out for him.. Sorry i can't tell what product you're showing because my stupid work computer won't pull it up.
so do you think an air barrier of 2-3ft is too far from the tanks? i ask because im setting up a bunch of tanks on a 15'x40"x7' pallet rack system and it would be alot easier and nicer looking to wrap the whole rack rather than each tank with a removeable blanket for the front of the rack.CJH;2385333; said:
dmopar74;2385779; said:
Not sure if I follow. Do you have a picture or a sketch?
I'm guessing 2' or more is too much.
CJH;2385798; said:
id wrap the top,sides and back with the "foil" and put blankets on the front so that i could acess and view the tanks by removing the blanket when needed. this is only during the winter of course and would only really be use full for the really cold times to help the tanks heat the small space.
black is all steel beams, blue is tanks. im such an artist.
dmopar74;2385860; said:
The Reflectix would certainly help and it does come in 48" rolls which would save you some money.
In general the lower the volume (i.e. the closer you can get the insulation to the tanks) the less energy it will take.
Consider making a front "drape" from Reflectix as well instead of blankets. You could cut strips to overlap by a bit but could be rolled up and out of the way when you want to look at the fish or do maintenance.
thanks, ive been stressing about this for a while. were moving end of december and ive been really worried about keeping my tanks heated in a 20x20 unheated garage. i cant wait to move and get this set up.