Low temp heating solutions?

[brian]

Hi all,

I'm trying to come up with an aquarium heating solution that will raise my basement water temps from the current 48-50F to the mid 50s low 60s range for winter and spring purposes. Most submersible heaters I see only go down to the high 60's, which would still be too high. Aside from heating the whole basement (not happening!) is there a good low temp heater, or can I "go down" a heater size and over-burden it with too much water on a low setting so it can't keep up? Air temps are now in the 48-50 range, summer temps in the mid 60's, so I won't need a heater then...

 

[jennifer]

I have looked for the same thing, but have not found any. I don't think the pet industry sells such a heater.

If one were handy with electronics, I believe one could rig up a regular aquarium heater to a thermostat that would switch the heater on and off to maintain the desired low temperature. I can envision this in theory, but would have no clue how to put it into effect.

 

[alan]

Try a suitably sized external heating pad and adjust the water temperature by it's proximity to the tank.

 

[kaysie]

Or if you're handy construction-wise, you can build a small room around them and heat just that.

 

[ravenous]

i wouldn't recomend it for someone inexperienced in electronics but if you know an electrician then you can ask them to put a normal dimmer switch for a light switch into the power cable of a water heater. it is quite simple to do but for your own safety and to cover my back i will say DO NOT TRY THIS YOURSELF

 

[abrahm]

Would it be possible to use a rheostat device used for herp heating? You'd have to call the company to find the low range, but I was thinking something like this. Some of the expensive ones may have a lower set point. I don't know if these will work for aquarium heaters, though. It is an idea to look into.

 

[roy]

I don't think that will solve the problem. it will reduce the power of your heater but not the setting. Brian needs a heater to keep his water at a constant but low temperature.
I've found a heater with a thermostat I can set at 16 Celsius (about 60 fahr)but they are not common.

 

[abrahm]

The rheostat/thermostat should reduce the power, but these ones are made to cut out when the appropriate temperature is reached. If they can have a low temperature set, then they will shut off the aquarium heater when the appropriate temperature is reached. Since aquarium heaters also have a thermostat like device, I don't know how well they would work together.

 

[roy]

My previous response was not at your post (which was posted while I was typing. An extra thermostat would work a dimmer won't

 

[andy]

Brian, sounds like your temperatures are seasonally IDEAL. Some keepers/breeders would kill to have those temps., I personally would'nt change a thing.