Under Gravel Substarte Heating - Plants

[Cayote]

I have come across this web page that shows the diy construction for undergravel heating, which is both safe and easy to do.

http/www.thekrib.com/Plants/Tech/Resler-Cables/

As i am an electrician by trade i have vigerously gone through all parameters and can say it is as long as followed properly perfectly safe for use.

Except that the transformer is fed by an american power supply eg. 115 volts not 240 volts like in the uk.

This is not a problem as you need to change the transformer from 115v to 24v which is american to 240v to 24v which is a 10:1 step transformer here in the uk. This type can be bought from most electrical store such as maplins.

If confused go in to electrical and quote 1x transformer 240 to 24v or 1:10 step transformer making sure the windings are seperate not wound together.

Im giving it ago so ill let you know what happens, this will be included in my article, a tank from scratch.

 

[cichlidmaster]

Sounds like it will make for good reading, cayote.

Looking forward to it!!

CM

 

[Great Lakes]

Interesting. Would like to hear how it turns out.

 

[Cayote]

Right i have had the heater in for two days now a the following has accurred :

1) The cable sleeve from the top of water to transformer gets pretty warm but after testing all is within parameters

2) Had to change first cable due to too much heat, not dangeous but substrate was i feel too warm larger cable was better

3) Substrate is luke warm but not too hot, im no expert but it feels right evenly spread heat distrubution

I will update as ness.