Heating Storage water inside Brute Rubbermaid trash can

[Lionel]

Hello everyone,

Any ideas on how to heat storage water inside of a Brute Rubbermaid trash can? I was wondering if I could install the aquarium heater with suction cups on the side wall of the can without it melting? I know it may sound crazy to some but the rubbermaid is pretty thick and the heater would only be set to 84 which is really not hot for thick plastic.

Thanks,

Lionel

[BeefyG]

I saw something at FshFrk's house that should work for you. The heaters in his pond were in the middle of foam disks which would keep the heater at a safe distance from the walls and keep them from being submerged if they were not submersible. Try PMing him for more information. I didn't look too closely at them but I think they were floating.

[jarrodaden]

Even with the suction cups, you won't melt the plastic. The question is whether or not the trash can will hold its shape. I think you need something sturdier than that. I have my eye on some livestock troughs at tank depot and possibly for 55 gallon plastic drums. Much more subtantial in my opinion.

[newb]

why are you storing water???

[BeefyG]

I don't know about Lionel's case but I store water because my ph is unstable for about a day after coming out of the tap. But I just use a spare tank for it so no worries about melting anything with the heater.

[wesleydnunder]

put a piece of 3/4" pvc pipe across the top of the can that's at least 6" longer on each side than the opening of the can. Suspend the heater by its cord from the pipe with a twist tie or ty-wrap. That way you can put the heater right where you want it at the depth you want it. To circulate the water I'd run an air stone or power head.

Mark

[Lionel]

Thanks Everyone for the replies.

Lionel

[Lionel]

I'm storing water for water changes. It's the water that comes out of my RO/DI.

Thanks,

Lionel

why are you storing water???