DIY submersible water heater, build your own water heater

[Rob Nash]

***Be sure to use a GFI plug with this!***

here is a link to the Through-Wall version http://community.theaquaponicsource.com/forum/topics/diy-heater-bui...

 COPPER WARNING! most of the elements are made from nickel plated copper and should not be used!

I have not found stainless elements at Home Depot. Some of the Lowes stores have them.

A quick search on the web will find several types in the 240volt range.

Some links to try:

 1500 watt in the 120 volts stainless steel unit.

http://shop.hardwareandtools.com/search?w=stainless+steel+heater+el...

 

 here are some stainless steel options. they only make them in 4000 watt+ at 240 volts.

http://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Steel-Water-Heater-Element/dp/B000U...

 http://plumbing.hardwarestore.com/51-598-water-heater-elements/stai...

10-18-2013

I've made a few changes to the heater parts list and instructions..

 

1500-5500 watt stainless element

12 awg cord

1-1/2" rubber coupling

1-1/2" reduced to 1" threaded

1-1/2" reduced to 1/2" threaded

1/2" water tight connector

 

Temp controller

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

install the element into the 1-1/2" - 1" reducer.

...these are made to be inserted in one direction, so you will need to use a grinding wheel, or improvise, to remove the "stop" portion of the fitting.

some are sold with a round edge (pictured here) and some are squared (pictured above)

after removing the stop, connect the wires and install into the rubber coupler.

  

 

 

 

Here are a couple different

submersible options.

the top one has the wire ran inside the 1/2" irrigation "funny pipe" and fittings.

both work great!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have used a heavy duty timer to control the temp. 15 mins on the hour will keep 300 gallons warm.

pex supply has thermostats    http://www.pexsupply.com/Temperature-Controllers-12741000

Use a GFI plug with this unit!

 

 

 

 

[Bob Terrell]

New Video on Rob Nashes idea for diy watyer heaters

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_DMiYSoffBA

 

Thanks Rob

[wes]

Just curious as to what type of controller is in the picture?? specs????
 
M D Fowler said:

 

this is what i got off ebay for less then $15.  i am not use to celcius.  it is a set and forget.  diffecult to install, but should be well worth it.

[M D Fowler]

it will work for hot or cold and has a lot of other settings.  it would have been easy to install but i used thick wires for safety (and it was what i had in my shop already).  it has worked like charm and it very easy to just "set-and-forget".  i put a F thermostat next to it because it only reads C

 

 

Features:

• Brand new and high quality.
• A mini temperature controller.
• With large and clear LCD display for better readability.
• Wide temperature measuring range.
• High performance and durable housing.
• Heating and cooling control.
• Temperature calibration function.
• Delay protection function.
• Ex-factory parameters locking function after short circuit.
• Upper and lower limits of temperature can be set.
• Can be used for domestic freezer, water tanks, refrigerator, industrial chiller, bolier, steamer, industrial equipments and other temperature-controlled systems.
• Comes with temperature sensor probe.

Instruction Manual:

• 1. Wiring diagram.
• Binding Post 1/2: normally open contact of relay.
• Binding Post 3/4: connect to 110V power supply.
• Binding Post 5/6: after short circuit lock on default set, users can’t change.
• Binding Post 7/8: connetct to temperature sensor.
• Note: load means heater or cooling plant.
• 2. Electric Property.
• Range of temperature measurement:：-50℃～110℃.
• Range of temperature control:-50℃～110℃.
• Temperature measuring error:±0.5℃.
• Sensor Model no. NTC (10K/3435).
• Control Accuracy:1℃.
• Power Supply: 110V.
• Data Storage:Yes.
• Working Temperature: 0℃～50℃.
• Storage Temperature：-10℃～60℃.
• Package size:8.5cm x 7.5cm x 2.8cm

http://www.ebay.com/itm/110V-Digital-LCD-Thermostat-Temperature-Reg...
 
wes said:

Just curious as to what type of controller is in the picture?? specs????
 
M D Fowler said:

 

this is what i got off ebay for less then $15.  i am not use to celcius.  it is a set and forget.  diffecult to install, but should be well worth it.

[leo bugaeff]

what is the specific

part number for safe fish use for 120 or 240? Thanks 

[M D Fowler]

you can look it up for 12v., 110v., or 220v.  the one i got was 110v

leo bugaeff said:

what is the specific

part number for safe fish use for 120 or 240? Thanks 

 

[Joseph zamora]

Did anyone else get a leak at the rubber boot? I wanted to test my unit out while I waiting for my gfi plugs to be brought home so I could install them and ZAAAAAAAPPPPPPPP I got a nice jolt in my body! lol live and learn but I did discover that there was a small leak in the boot. Plan B is putting silicone around the boot and using water tape to really seal it it. Just wanted to know if anyone else has had a problem like this or if I am the only one dumb enough not to follow safety

[Rob Nash]

Dont use   "Silly Con"   it wont help, just makes a mess of things. you need to check the quick release at the power cord. and use a nut driver or wrench to tighten the boot, a flat head screw driver wont cut it. ..I prefer the through-wall version... it keeps the electric parts out of the water. and it hold the element at a slightly up wards position, which is best.. it prevents the tiny air bubbles from collecting in the pipe and burning out the element.  BE CAREFUL please!

 

 

[Rob Nash]

follow the link at the top of this discussion for the thru wall version... here is a pic

[Benjamin Udy - Super Genius]

Hey just read through this entire thread and didn't see anywhere if anyone has used the Ranco temperature controller and had any problems with submersing the temperature probe. I have read on some home brewing and salt water aquarium forums and got mixed feedback. Anyone used it in there system?

[Bob Terrell]

I use the Ronco  and it has preformed fawlessly

Benjamin said:

Hey just read through this entire thread and didn't see anywhere if anyone has used the Ranco temperature controller and had any problems with submersing the temperature probe. I have read on some home brewing and salt water aquarium forums and got mixed feedback. Anyone used it in there system?

[Rob Nash]

I have about 30 of the Ranco Timers out there... they work great, and the temp probe can be placed in the water.

I will add that we have gone to only installing them as a through wall install, not the submersible.

[Benjamin Udy - Super Genius]

Thanks for the info Rob. On the through wall heater thread you uploaded a picture of a submersible design that looked like you made a bunch of cuts it a pvc pipe and put the heating element in that. How did that design perform compared to the design with the riser that created the convection flow across the heating element?