Keeping A Tank In An Unheated Room?

[karigupi]

Picking my new tank up on Saturday & am having big headaches trying to figure out where I am going to put it.

I've had a bit of a brainwave, we have an extension which is kinda like a large hallway/entryway, its about 10ftx8ft I think & really underused, its housing boxes for hubbies work, my business stock, wellies & coats, buggy etc.

I'm thinking it would make an amazing little house for more tanks everything out there could be re-homed to garage or conservatory & I could set up some big stands/sideboards out there, there are two double plug sockets, lights & windows, it could be really pretty I think?

My worry is, its not heated, it stays pretty cool out there as it has flagstone flooring, I have some carpet I could lay to keep it a bit more insulated. In the spring/summer its fine, but in the winter it gets really cold out there. Would the temperature be a problem? Would the heaters cope do you think?

I know some people keep their tanks in a garage which I assume is unheated, so would have the same issue in winter?

I have visions of 4 tanks out there, a comfy chair, lamp, glass of wine, box of chocs a nice little haven to hide away from the kids

 

[Athena]

Sounds a lovely idea! I don't see it would be a problem being in an unheated room but it probably means your heater thermostat in the tank will be switching on a lot more frequently than in a heated room. So running costs will be higher, especially in winter.

Also, the life of the thermostat might be shorter due to the more extensive use. But I'm no expert on tank heaters so you'd have to see if anyone else on here knows a bit more.

Regards - Athena

ps - just had a thought - if you were thinking of a little "relaxation" spot for you - you'd probably need a little fan heater or whatever, if it's that cold - which will take the chill off that area, anyway.

 

[Tolak]

Heaters will cope, it depends on how much you are willing to spend for electricity. I keep a few tanks in the basement, outside the fish room, which can get as cool as 55F in the dead of winter. They get by fine on the standard 5 watts per gallon. If you add a little insulation to the bottom, sides, and top of the tank you will keep your electric bill reasonable. I've seen folks use 1/4" white foam on top, bottom, and 3 sides of the tank in garages during the winter, this keeps the tanks at temperature without jacking the bill.

This can be removed when it gets warmer. Sounds like you have plans for a nice little hide a way.

 

[monkeyhanger]

Im no expert on tanks, but as physics goes: I would assume that the suitability of location would be linked to your heaters ability to heat the tank more rapidly than the surroundings cool it down. If the location gets hot in the summer, that could also be a major pain.

You might therefore need a much higher wattage heater than would normally be expected for the tank that you have. The thicker the tank glass, the better the potential for the tank to insulate itself from heat loss to the surroundings, although a well insulated tank's heat will probably just escape through the hood anyway.

 

[karigupi]

Thank you both for your replies, just the reasurrance I needed.

Just popped little one up for his nap & been out to have a look, its larger than I thought once the junk has been moved it will be a lovely little room,wonder why I didnt think of it sooner.

I was thinking I could ask on freecycle, if anyone is re-fitting their kitchen, the cupboards & worktops would be a good idea to fit it out, lots of storage space for the junk & good strong surfaces for some tanks.

I'm quite excited now as a mum of three, with a hubby who sometimes makes it feel I have four children, its difficult to find something that is selfish, just for me time & space & I think I may have just found it.

Im no expert on tanks, but as physics goes: I would assume that the suitability of location would be linked to your heaters ability to heat the tank more rapidly than the surroundings cool it down. If the location gets hot in the summer, that could also be a major pain.

You might therefore need a much higher wattage heater than would normally be expected for the tank that you have. The thicker the tank glass, the better the potential for the tank to insulate itself from heat loss to the surroundings, although a well insulated tank's heat will probably just escape through the hood anyway.

Thank you, it doesnt get hot in the summer, thats one good thing, its a fairly constant cool room & we keep drinks out there when its hot to keep them cool. The temps dont fluctuate too much out there, I think you are right, that it would be best to get a more powerful heater for the tanks.

 

[Honeythorn]

If it gets really cold in winter, you could pack some black plastic bags with old newspapers or polystyrene tiles/blocks, seal them up with tape and wedge them behind and between tanks ( make sure wires are free of course ) to keep heat in if the windows are not double glazed. If you make the bags into nice neat rectangular blocks, it shouldn't look too bad. They can just be removed and packed away in warmer weather.

 

[karigupi]

If it gets really cold in winter, you could pack some black plastic bags with old newspapers or polystyrene tiles/blocks, seal them up with tape and wedge them behind and between tanks ( make sure wires are free of course ) to keep heat in if the windows are not double glazed. If you make the bags into nice neat rectangular blocks, it shouldn't look too bad. They can just be removed and packed away in warmer weather.

Good idea! My hubby sells insulation boards, i'm thinking he might be able to get me some sample sizes for me to use, I could use the scrunched up papers in bags to squeeze in the gaps.