7Enigma
Aquarium Advice Addict
Hey all,
It's winter, and as such our house is quite cold (from 52-65F average per day). Now to maintain a tank (mine is glass so greater heat loss than acrylic) at ~78F constantly will probably require the heater to be on quite a bit. I'm looking for possible ways to maintain the temp of the tank using less electricity.
Here's some thoughts I've had:
-behind the background picture attach some non-thermal conductive material (bubble wrap, thermal wrap for a water heater), so at least 1 of the 6 sides is insulated
-I have on order an iron fish tank stand. I'm thinking of putting something underneath the tank that will prevent heat from radiating downward out the bottom (this will be now 2 sides of tank insulated)
-The top I'm somewhat perplexed on as it has a lighted top, but the top is just thin hard plastic, and it would look stupid to insulate the top (maybe a light blanket or something when I'm at work during the day, keeping it away from the water obviously)
That just leaves the sides and the front panel. These 3 I don't think I have any choice but to leave as is, although I have thought about getting some clear plastic film for the sides, so you can still see in, the fish can see out, and it doesn't drastically reduce the light level when the tank light isn't on (thought it will probably reduce the usable light for plants if I decide to get real ones later on).
Any ideas?
justin
It's winter, and as such our house is quite cold (from 52-65F average per day). Now to maintain a tank (mine is glass so greater heat loss than acrylic) at ~78F constantly will probably require the heater to be on quite a bit. I'm looking for possible ways to maintain the temp of the tank using less electricity.
Here's some thoughts I've had:
-behind the background picture attach some non-thermal conductive material (bubble wrap, thermal wrap for a water heater), so at least 1 of the 6 sides is insulated
-I have on order an iron fish tank stand. I'm thinking of putting something underneath the tank that will prevent heat from radiating downward out the bottom (this will be now 2 sides of tank insulated)
-The top I'm somewhat perplexed on as it has a lighted top, but the top is just thin hard plastic, and it would look stupid to insulate the top (maybe a light blanket or something when I'm at work during the day, keeping it away from the water obviously)
That just leaves the sides and the front panel. These 3 I don't think I have any choice but to leave as is, although I have thought about getting some clear plastic film for the sides, so you can still see in, the fish can see out, and it doesn't drastically reduce the light level when the tank light isn't on (thought it will probably reduce the usable light for plants if I decide to get real ones later on).
Any ideas?
justin