800-1000W Fish Tank Heater Search

[Bill Moore]

I bought a 500 Watt Titanium heater for the 100 gal RubberMaid Ag fish tank, thinking that was large enough since they are typically rated at 100-160 gallons.  At the maximum setting I am getting only about 72F out of it. Since I need to raise the temperature for the tilapia closer to 80+F, I am looking for 800W or 1000W unit, which will be the main heater. The current 500 W will be the back up.

Anyone have any experience with this line of heaters?

JBJ 800W True Temp Titanium Heating System.  

(http://www.marineandreef.com/JBJ_800W_True_Temp_Titanium_Heating_Sy...)

Seems a bit pricey, but I don't mind paying for quality if it'll do the job and last.  Any other possible recommendations?  

[Chi Ma]

I use this one.

http://www.amazon.com/Finnex-Electonric-Temperature-Controller-Hc-0...

[Bill Moore]

Considering couple other options:  (1) build Randy Mossman's DIY heater using 2000 W 120V electric hot water heating element; (2) build 4x8 solar hot water heater using CPVC [http://youtu.be/WP8H5IOTwYU]. The system is on the south side of the basement wall and it would be simple to pump this. There's already a hole there where the heat pump pipes are run.  Would need a second pump to circulate water up to a head of around 18 feet.   

[Bill Moore]

A third option might be evacuated tubes set up something like this:  http://www.electric-bike-kit.com/solar-tubes.aspx. System uses 2 inch PVC and could be modularized depending on the size of my tank.  Would make an interesting experiment, for sure.  Any thoughts, anyone?

[Vlad Jovanovic]

Yeah, hehe...use a different breed of fish :)

[Bill Moore]

But we like Tilapia!  ;-)   Anyway, I've already invested money in buying an Eaton thermostat with temp probe, 2000 W electric hot water tank coil and Randy Mossman's adapter.  

bill

[randy proctor]

I HAVE 3 OF THEM YES. PRICEY BUT GOOD .WILL DO THE JOB

 

[Bill Moore]

Follow-up:  Over the weekend, I make the set up semi-permanent. Check out the photo in the gallery.  I put the Eaton thermstat inside a blue shallow double receptacle box and cover. 10 ga. wire to the heater are inside plastic conduit. I found the correct setting to maintain the water at a 74-78F temperature range, which is what I want for both the tilapia and the gold fish.  Very pleased -- so far -- with the results.

[RupertofOZ]

Hope you're still pleased... when the power bill comes in...

[tj walker]

http://www.123ponds.com/hss-1-5-115.html this is what i use

[RupertofOZ]

Just for reference... pure physics definition...

 

To raise the temperature of 1000L of water by 1 degree... requires 1Kw of power...

 

Sorry, you guys will have to do the conversion... I'm off to bed...

[Bill Moore]

Hey... I am also charging an electric hybrid.  Goal is to eventually go solar for the hot water.

[tj walker]

Rule of thumb on pond heating: 1 Watt per Gallon = 10 degree rise in water temperature. Example 1500 watt (1.5 kw) to heat a 1000 gallon pond by 15 degrees over a 24 hour period.