Heating Acrylic Tank Sets

WCMSC · #1 07-22-2009, 07:15 PM

I'm new to the forum, but I wonder if anyone can help me out with this rather unique situation.

At my new job I take care of an insect exhibit that was recently converted from an aquatic exhibit. There is one large 4' by 2' tank, a connected set of 3 smaller tanks, and a set of 3 even smaller tanks.
I am getting the smallest set modified to include a ventilation duct at substrate level, similar to the dart frog guy's but in the rear of the tank. Defogging the front of the tank is not a high priority considering that most of our insects are desert and require only 30-60% humidity. I will probably have the fan blow air in rather than draw it out due to the fact that I am ventilating 3 connected tanks with one computer fan.
I need to heat the tanks, but acrylic is volatile with heating pads and those stupid wires require too many holes in the tanks.
Is there a way for me to use the fan as a sort of forced air heating system that can supply multiple tanks at once from a central unit?

I realize that this will cause humidity problems, but with our set up that is less of a concern than temperature control. We are located in an old school and they save on the bill by shutting down the building's heat or air conditioning at night.

beckdg · #2 07-23-2009, 10:57 AM

maybe a heat lamp (or several lower watt incandescents) in a box ((not cardboard) maybe a glass tank) with small ventilation holes and a vent tube (like the ones on the back of a dryer) that runs to the back of your fan. the lamp could be on a thermostat with the lead in the actual tanks for temp control. you could also ziptie those wire heaters inside a heater vent in circles like a hair dryer. remember that distance and pattern will determine amount of current draw and heat produced by rope heaters.

WCMSC · #3 07-23-2009, 02:25 PM

Thanks for the idea and taking the time to reply! Keep 'em coming. I have some time before D day.

froggsong · #4 07-23-2009, 07:19 PM

you could also use an UTH attached to a ceramic tile. since the heat will diffuse through the tile, it shouldn't melt the acrylic.

another method would be to build a wooden box to go underneath each tank that has incandescent bulbs inside with a wooden or tile top. the tanks will warm without melting, and you can have a dimmer swith on the heat boxes. they are easy to build, and while the materials will cost around the same as an UTH, they are more versatile and customizable. you could also have some duct coming out of the boxes attaching to the fan so that the outside air doesn't cool the tanks too much.

there are a few other methods as well as some commercial products available.

beckdg · #5 07-23-2009, 07:27 PM

all the ideas i can come up with revolve around the same principle. heat a small area or closet and pump that air into the setups. i am brain dead right now but there are other ways to accomplish the same principle. maybe keep a closet heated for usable air. you could pump that same air back into your "hot box" to reduce what needs to be heated. might help... who knows... depends on distance and temp.

you could also use a closed loop system for heating with water. they make systems now for heating inside walls and under floors that are pretty efficient. downside is if they're trying to save money by not heating the place that might be a steep initial investment. the same could be accomplished with a fish heater and pump. wrap the tanks in hose to carry the water and then insulate around the non-viewable sides. make sure to keep the pump and heater accessible. hmmm... like i said brain dead.

beckdg · #6 07-23-2009, 07:28 PM

duhhh... what froggy said... lol.