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!

 

 

 

 

[Rik Kretzinger]

Is the 2000 watt heating element Stainless Steel?

[Rob Nash]

i think so, it doesnt say on the package. they sell titanium in the 4000 watts.

[Clifford Lee]

Thank you Rob,

This is wonderful. I will try to build one. 

BTW, have you tried to incorporate with a thermostat? 

Cliff

[Rob Nash]

i have not tried it with the thermo, only because the timer has workded so well. i do plan to order a thermo from pex.com and will keep you posted on my findings.

[Rik Kretzinger]

Which model timer are you using from pex.com?

[Rob Nash]

for this 2000 watt i think you only need to use the $49.00 one.

[Rik Kretzinger]

Thanks

[Clifford Lee]

How do we connect the thermostat with this heater?  Thermo usually doesn't have 120V outlet... 

[Jonathan Farrand]

Great post Rob! My goal is winter aquaponics via hoop house or double hoop house in New England. I may definitly need some water heating assistance like this.

[Jonathan Farrand]

One more question. How cold does it get in Austin, TX and what water temperature do you shoot for with running the heater every fifteen minutes? 

 

[Nate Storey]

Well done Rob. That's nice and clean!

[Rob Nash]

The thermo will have a place to hard wire the heater.
Austin gets pretty cold,but rarely snows. The fifteen mins is only when it's in the 40's and it will keep it in the 70's. When it starts to get into the 30's you will have to wrap it and cover it to keep it warm. This is the time of year when I start to regret having tilapia.