Mixing Station Temp Control

[ehealy13]

Hi all, I have a 20 gallon station I keep in my garage with a pump and heater that I generally keep 50-75% full, for water changes. With the temperatures in NJ in the mid 20's I'm having a difficult time keeping the temp above 70, even with a heater rated for 2x the water volume. Do I need a more powerful heater, or is there something else I should be doing to maintain the temp? Thanks in advance!

 

[Peace River]

You may consider wrapping the outside of the storage container, limit the circulation of the water, and maintain a top on the water container which could all help with maintaining the heat.

 

[Brett S]

I think it either needs more heat or better insulation. I wonder if you put some styrofoam around the outside of the tank and covered the top (probably with more styrofoam) if it would hold the heat better. Ideally you would probably want to have it sitting on a piece of styrofoam too.

 

[ehealy13]

You may consider wrapping the outside of the storage container, limit the circulation of the water, and maintain a top on the water container which could all help with maintaining the heat.

Great a advice, I appreciate it! I do have it covered, but not wrapped. What a dummy I am, I just re-did my bathroom and threw out the leftover insulation. Another lesson learned!

 

[ehealy13]

I think it either needs more heat or better insulation. I wonder if you put some styrofoam around the outside of the tank and covered the top (probably with more styrofoam) if it would hold the heat better. Ideally you would probably want to have it sitting on a piece of styrofoam too.

Thanks Brett! I think you're right, as there is no insulation currently. I have some styrofoam from the holiday gifts, so I'll definitely try that. Thanks again!

 

[Peace River]

Great a advice, I appreciate it! I do have it covered, but not wrapped. What a dummy I am, I just re-did my bathroom and threw out the leftover insulation. Another lesson learned!

No worries! Now you have a plan to make improvements - good luck!

 

[Billdogg]

Thin styrofoam won't help as much as you probably need it to. If it were me, I'd pick up a sheet of the really thick pink stuff at HD/Lowes and make a box out of it. Put the mixing station inside, and you'll be good to go!

 

[ehealy13]

Thank you! I actually gave basically a whole bundle of that away 2 weeks ago. Oh well, I'll run to Lowe's and pick up another. I appreciate the help!