Public Aquarium Heaters

[saltwaterfishman]

I was wondering, what do public aquariums use to heat their tanks? Large heaters or something else?

[zygote2k]

I know from experience that large commercial systems use a variety of heaters like any of the following:

1) Heat Pump

2) Hayward Pool and Spa flowthrough heaters up to 11k

3) Drop in Titanium heaters in various sizes and wattages up to 5k

5) Gas fired heaters

[davelin315]

In addition to what Rob said, we also use a lot of regular old heaters, just not on the big systems for obvious reasons as well as inline heaters made by... drawing a blank here...

[OUsnakebyte]

I've never run a system with a heat exchanger, so I can't speak for those. 

 

For my systems that need a heater, I favor the titamium heaters with controllers from Aquatic Ecosystems:

 

http://www.aquaticeco.com/subcategories/5329/IHC-Submersible-Titanium-Heaters

 

I use the ones that draw a hefty amperage - 12-18 amps.  So, be careful of overloading your circuits.  I also have a couple that run on 230v, so that will help too.

 

Stainless steel will eventually not be stainless in saltwater...

 

Cheers

Mike

[mling]

.......         Stainless steel will eventually not be stainless in saltwater...     

 

...................

You hit the question that has always been at the back of my mind !  I always use titanium heaters after breaking too many glass ones due to carelessness.   How do you know when you have to replace a titanium heater ?

[OUsnakebyte]

I've only ever replaced a titanium heater when the cord has frayed and worn out - not b/c of the titanium heating element... 

 

Cheers

Mike