Tank Set Up

[mrpotts]

Hi!
I am thinking of getting a Juwel vision 260 bowfront tank to set up for freshwater fish in the conservatory only problem is there is no heating in the conservatory. Would the fact that the tank/water will be heated and therefore hotter than the surrounding and outside surface of the tank cause any problems ?

 

[Aqua Tom]

You need to consider the outside tempreature when getting the right size heater. If the room is unheated then the tank will lose heat to the atmosphere quite quickly so a big heater is a good idea. Maybe even 2 smaller heaters just in case one fails then at least your fish wont freeze.

You will get more condesation than in a heated room but as long as the lid is a nice fit it should just drop straight back in the tank so i wouldnt worry too much.

 

[Timmy_Bee]

i think your bigger issue would be the fact that your tank would (im assuming) be in direct sunlight, so algae might be a big issue.

Also my conservatory gets boiling in the summer, so i might be a bit worried about that.

As for condensation - as AT says so long as your lid fits, it shouldn't be an issue. And the Juwel light are pretty good at being waterproof (until they break...)

 

[OldMan47]

In a typical situation, a 5 watts per gallon heater is considered adequate. That thumb rule is fine for maybe 15F, 8C, difference between room temperature and water temperature. If you are facing more than that, you will either need a larger heater or, better yet, a well insulated tank. If you are able to place some insulating material around all but the front glass of your tank, you will be able to tolerate a much lower temperature in the area around your tank without increasing your heating capacity. You lose some heat from all 6 surfaces of your tank so you can figure that each surface that is kept well insulated from the room temperature has an effect on how much heat you must provide. If you can place an insulating layer under the tank and around the 3 back and side areas, you can probably cut the heating needs in half. Simple foam insulation of less than 12 mm thickness will allow you to basically ignore heat losses through a particular surface. Many insulation products will provide a far more complete heat barrier than that layer.

 

[mrpotts]

Thank you.
Very helpful as always