Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
I can’t wait to see this project finished! I’m drooling and in aw over the space you allocated towards it. Thanks for sharing!
On your salt water change system, what are you using to preheat the water before it gets transferred?
I was wondering, because it seems like the best way to heat that much water is a drop in heater. I like that idea of ziptie to pvc and pull in and out. Right now I’m running a 500w on my 100g tank and it’s a pain dealing with the heater. My last water change, the heater wasn’t fully submerged because of the short cord length and my tall tank was only partially filled. Half the heater was not submerged and caused a bit of steam and broke the heater! I said *** that and I just ordered a titanium inline heater (aqua logic 1kw) for ease and convenience. We’ll see how it works, just plumbed it up last night. I’d look into it too! I’ve always had to work around my heaters and I’m so tired of it and I haven’t found a better option out there! I hope this in-line kicks butt and stays rust free.
Thanks for posting, Looks like I’ve got some more research to look into a heat exchanger and pex coil.This is a diagram of my radiant heating system for the main system. If I ever add a second loop to the system for water changes I will have a PEX coil in one of my water storage tanks. This is by far the most efficient and safe way I have ever heating my aquariums. There is no concern about the heat exchanger coil not being submerged as it can't overheat. I looked at inline heaters but for the cost of a good one I can basically pay for a replacement hot water heater.
I am using a Bronze Grundfos single speed pump. I added a picture of the pex coil heat exchanger I have in the sump. I have seen titanium heat exchangers used before but I normally avoid all metals in my tank if I can help it. I honestly don't want an overly efficient heat exchanger because even the PEX coil is really quick and its a rather inefficient heat exchanger.That is a really cool idea on the heat exchanger through hot water heater. You looked into what pump you are going to use? I have done some radiant heat systems before in some pretty heavy use scenarios, and have found that while a bit more upfront, the Grundfos pumps are pretty bulletproof. Either that or a Taco. Also, what are you using for a heat exchanger? Just some loops of pex?
I have been using the PEX coil solution for several years now and it works really well and its cheap to replace.Thanks for posting, Looks like I’ve got some more research to look into a heat exchanger and pex coil.
My issue is I have a very tall vertical storage tank and the drop in heater is quite tacky and doesn’t hit the bottom of tank without a longer cord. I need a way to heat up my new saltwater fast so I can change water within 15 minutes. I haven’t needed to put a heater on my display tank in San Diego, the acrylic display, sump and drop in pump really creates/insulates heat. I’m running a chiller all year long to give an idea.
The pex coil system sounds like the way to go. Right now I have an inline 1kw, but I’m real interested in your pex coil.
Since my hot water tank is in an open system and does not get to true radiant system temps a boiler produces I use standard PEX and its also why I went with a Bronze recirculation pump over cast iron. The run time on my heating cycles is rather low ~1hour (Sharp increase 77.6-78.1) and since its recirculating hot water back into the tank the hot water heater actually does not have to cycle long to keep the tank temp stabilized. Unless there is a hot water tank failure or its completely drained of hot water it should not be possible for cold water to enter the coil. (This might be an idea though for another line of protection to shutdown the heating loop if the PEX temp dips below a certain point.) The heating loop is also a one way loop since it has a check valve installed to prevent reverse flow from hot water calls reversing the plumbing.I use a coil of pex tubing to heat my 400G system. I have been doing it for years. I use a simple inkbird controller to open and close the zone valve off of the radiant manifold on my boiler system. It heats the water effortlessly, and consistently. Some suggestions, Make sure you use oxygen barrier tubing, You may want to do a primary/secondary loop off of your Hot water tank. Otherwise you may have cold showers and or cold water going to the tank when there is a call/need for hot water. Water heaters are not really meant to support BTU needs like this.
Nice! That answered my question I was wondering what you were doing with the loop, if it was in some sort of raceway or housing, but the pic answered that.I am using a Bronze Grundfos single speed pump. I added a picture of the pex coil heat exchanger I have in the sump. I have seen titanium heat exchangers used before but I normally avoid all metals in my tank if I can help it. I honestly don't want an overly efficient heat exchanger because even the PEX coil is really quick and its a rather inefficient heat exchanger.
I have been using the PEX coil solution for several years now and it works really well and its cheap to replace.
Since my hot water tank is in an open system and does not get to true radiant system temps a boiler produces I use standard PEX and its also why I went with a Bronze recirculation pump over cast iron. The run time on my heating cycles is rather low ~1hour (Sharp increase 77.6-78.1) and since its recirculating hot water back into the tank the hot water heater actually does not have to cycle long to keep the tank temp stabilized. Unless there is a hot water tank failure or its completely drained of hot water it should not be possible for cold water to enter the coil. (This might be an idea though for another line of protection to shutdown the heating loop if the PEX temp dips below a certain point.) The heating loop is also a one way loop since it has a check valve installed to prevent reverse flow from hot water calls reversing the plumbing.
Update time
Have to start with a mantis update. Mr. Stabby Stabby (Yellow Spearing Mantis) got a chance to go hunting this week and I got a slow motion video in the Instagram link below. My other mantis decided to put on a great threat display and pose for some pictures.
The display tank has some major changes incoming. I would have gotten a little further along but I was sick for 5 days with some recovery time. Now its back to work and I have installed the first 11 feet of the aquarium stand top. In the next week or two I should have that completed. Its nice to be able to walk on plywood and not balance on the tops of 2x4s when I walk on part of the stand now.
Have you thought about using stainless steel tubing for the heat exchanger? Im using some 1/2" 316 stainless on my 600 and it seems to be working good. I'm finding the tank heats quicker with a more stable temperature which is leading to shorter run time for the heat pump. You also can run a smaller coil so its not taking up too much room. Corals and everything seem to be going good with out contamination from the tubing. The only draw back I have seen so far is there is a little build up of crud where the water and air touch the pipe.I have been using the PEX coil solution for several years now and it works really well and its cheap to replace.
Have you thought about using stainless steel tubing for the heat exchanger? Im using some 1/2" 316 stainless on my 600 and it seems to be working good. I'm finding the tank heats quicker with a more stable temperature which is leading to shorter run time for the heat pump. You also can run a smaller coil so its not taking up too much room. Corals and everything seem to be going good with out contamination from the tubing. The only draw back I have seen so far is there is a little build up of crud where the water and air touch the pipe.
I have a new coil made up and I'm going to either use uni seals or silicone to coat the tubing where the water meets the air to help keep from build up.
Awesome update Alex! How many layers of plywood do you plan to use for the bottom of the aquarium? I can't remember seeing you say it anywhere.