Aquarium heater?

[amydidit]

I really have no idea where to ask this question. I admit it feels a little silly too.

We bought our pool that I'm hoping to birth in. It holds approximately 100 gallons (106 I believe). I believe our water heater will be enough to fill it up, but it takes a long time to heat up again, so I'm nervous about keeping the water warm enough while I'm in the pool. And I'd rather DH not be busy heating water on the stove during labor, I want him with me instead.

So I was wondering about an aquarium heater. It wouldn't be able to keep the water quite as warm as I should have it, but some can keep the water pretty warm, especially if they are put in to warm water to begin with. And since aquariums come in some very very large sizes I know they have heaters that would work for 100 gallons.

I'm not worried about chemicals from the heater because some of the fish they are used for are extremely fragile and chemicals kill them. They are made to be submersible, so electricity isn't a concern either.

So far as I can see it sounds safe. BUT I've never heard of anyone doing anything like this. Is there something I'm overlooking?

[Juniperberry]

I've never heard of this either - but it's a good idea!!!

[jennica]

But in aquariums the water is circulating, would it really heat still water?

[amydidit]

Hmm... good point. I don't think I'll be totally still in the water though so I think it would still move around. But that is something to think about. Hmm.......

[jennica]

Originally Posted by amydidit

Hmm... good point. I don't think I'll be totally still in the water though so I think it would still move around. But that is something to think about. Hmm.......

True, but aquariums are designed so all the water goes through the filter and then circulates through the tank. It needs to do this to stay aerated. I think the heaters work based on the idea that the water will keep filtering past it. Maybe just fill up your bath tub and put the heater in it, then check it a few hours later and see if all the water is warm, or just the water right by the heater.

[Belle]

I have an 80 gal aquarium. I'd like to point out that aquarium heaters are made of glass and easily break. I've broken a few over the years.

But in aquariums the water is circulating, would it really heat still water?

Aquarium heaters are not made to heat the water either. They simply maintain the temperature of the water already in there. And with the filters circulating the water that helps.

[mommy2thegang]

I used a waterbed heater . I put it under the pool on the floor. Just make sure you fill the pool first before cutting it on. I got mine for free on www.freecycle.org . When I wasn't in it I covered it with a vinyl tablecloth to keep the heat in. I used mine daily till I gave birth.

[amydidit]

Originally Posted by Belle

I have an 80 gal aquarium. I'd like to point out that aquarium heaters are made of glass and easily break. I've broken a few over the years. Aquarium heaters are not made to heat the water either. They simply maintain the temperature of the water already in there. And with the filters circulating the water that helps.

I've never had a heater break, and that's with me dropping them down stairs (not intentionally, of course). I'm just mainly hoping it could help keep the already warm water, warmer longer. In hopes of giving our hot water heater time to refill itself.

Originally Posted by mommy2thegang

I used a waterbed heater . I put it under the pool on the floor. Just make sure you fill the pool first before cutting it on. I got mine for free on www.freecycle.org . When I wasn't in it I covered it with a vinyl tablecloth to keep the heat in. I used mine daily till I gave birth.

Our freecycle here is pitiful, but I'll keep my eyes open for one. It would certainly be better, but cost is very very much a factor.

[wild fire child]

Originally Posted by Belle

I have an 80 gal aquarium. I'd like to point out that aquarium heaters are made of glass and easily break.

I have a turtle, turtles break glass heaters fast by biting them. There are black plastic insulated heaters that are safe for turtles as they cannot break.


This topic is a little funny to me, this is almost exactly the same as a post I wrote a few months ago before I gave birth, and absolutely no one had any answers for me.
As for water circulating - my filter in my 55gal tank was broken and there was no water circulation for 2 weeks. Every other day I would empty and fill the tank from the hose (it was summertime). Not only did the heater get it up to temperature, but it stayed at temperature with no water circulation but what one turtle provides.

My only concern would be that the heater itself might get hot. I've never touched the one in the tank because I'm afraid of it, so I have no idea if it's hot or not.

[amydidit]

My heaters never got hot. I was worried they would and burn the fish so I would touch them every few days. They were warm, but not hot enough to be a hazard I would think. But that is a good point. Hmm... against the plastic even warm might be to warm. Something to think about.

I'm sure it's not actually funny, but the mental image I got of a turtle biting the heaters made me laugh.

[wild fire child]

turtles are playful things, as well as hungry things. Anything that looks fun or could possibly, remotely be considered food, they'll try to bite. And when they get to 8-12" shell length, those are pretty powerful jaws.
I love turtles, they truly are hilarious. Mine plays with bubbles most of the day

My heater has an automatic out-of-water shutoff, and the first time I had it out of the water for an hour or so, it didn't shut off so I got burned. So I am very cautious around it, in the water and out, I only touch it by the suctioncup mounts or the cord. Call me a scaredy-cat

[amydidit]

Oh yeah, same here. I have a fire phobia, so I'm always super careful of things. If something says not to have it on outside water, I don't have it on. If something says it'll turn off outside of water, I unplug it anyway. This phobia comes in handy sometimes.

I've wanted turtles for a while but never had any. I've had numerous fish and frogs. But never a turtles. I'm wanting to get another aquarium eventually (maybe tax return), so I might check into turtles then. I want to know everything I need to know first though.

[wild fire child]

Depending on type of turtle, some sites are excellent. I have a red eared slider, the forums at http://redearslider.com/ are excellent. Most important things to remember are that they need sun time and UVA/UVB light, and they need about 10 gallons of water per inch of shell. Mine is 7" so I'm in search of a 100 gallon tank (she's not done growing), she was about 5" when I got her. They don't need much basking space, they need a lot of swimming space. They're lots of fun and personality though!

I'll be done sidetracking this thread now though

[Quinalla]

Yeah, that would probably work for you. Without circulation, it would be warmer near the heater, but I think it will work. I agree with testing it out first and see how it does.

And yeah, get one of the black plastic ones so you don't have to worry about breaking it. We have 2 of those for our aquarium.