A bit of engineering
Elder User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 942
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From: South Texas
1 BTU= amount of energy neeeded to raise the temp of 1 lb of water 1 degree F
1 gallon water = 8 lbs
1 BTU/h = .293 watts
500 gallons = 4000BTU needed
Given all this, to keep a 500 gallon tank of water within 1 degree F range, you need 1.172 KWH heater. Throw in some extra to counter the surface effect chilling and 2KW should do the trick.
Remember, you do not have to heat the water from -20 to 33, just keep it between 33-34 degrees F to stop freezing.
Dialtone
1 gallon water = 8 lbs
1 BTU/h = .293 watts
500 gallons = 4000BTU needed
Given all this, to keep a 500 gallon tank of water within 1 degree F range, you need 1.172 KWH heater. Throw in some extra to counter the surface effect chilling and 2KW should do the trick.
Remember, you do not have to heat the water from -20 to 33, just keep it between 33-34 degrees F to stop freezing.
Dialtone
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Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 2,881
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From: North of Tulsa, Oklahoma
Originally Posted by CowboyBilly9Mile
BTW, I'm a Mech Engr too, but sometimes I like to avoid reinventing the wheel on things like what you're talking about. It's simply not an effective use of time. Instead, call a swimming pool company or specifically one that sells heaters for pools and/or hot tubs and see if they can do a quick and dirty calc based on years and years of what really matters, proven experience. You probably know this, but if you can cover it at times when you're not running the fountain you'll probably save yourself a small fortune on energy. That alone might make antifreeze look pretty good, depending on the pond size. I'll assume the pond has no fish in it.
Bingo. I'm sure there are a few pond heater products readily available. My neighbor has a couple small coy ponds that they keep running all year long. Even when we get a couple inches of ice on the ground their ponds stay liquid. Though they do get some ice formation on the surface, but the fish survive. Save yer time, and frustration and do as mentioned previously and check out the local aquatic supply stores. I would bet that even the pet supply stores stock that stuff now.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
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Wow! I never expected such a response.
I've got to tell you the truth I desire to perform the calculation to determine how much energy keeping it liquid would require. From that I can determine whether it is worth it or not to keep it liquid. For the amount of energy I 'waste' through landscape lighting and whatnot I guess 'in for a penny in for a pound'.
As far as fish go, perhaps, but that too depends on a number of factors. No fish and antifreeze is a fantastic idea (provided it can be clear and odorless - no methanol).
The pond itself is 8 feet in diameter, 2 feet deep and the water level is equal to the ground level. This isn't too bad to guess at but lets consider the fountain itself: 3 dishes 56, 36, and 16 inches in diameter respectively. The water flowing into and out of and between these dishes as well as running down the collars that separate them is the tricky part of the equation.
Experimentation may be the best bet.
I've got to tell you the truth I desire to perform the calculation to determine how much energy keeping it liquid would require. From that I can determine whether it is worth it or not to keep it liquid. For the amount of energy I 'waste' through landscape lighting and whatnot I guess 'in for a penny in for a pound'.
As far as fish go, perhaps, but that too depends on a number of factors. No fish and antifreeze is a fantastic idea (provided it can be clear and odorless - no methanol).
The pond itself is 8 feet in diameter, 2 feet deep and the water level is equal to the ground level. This isn't too bad to guess at but lets consider the fountain itself: 3 dishes 56, 36, and 16 inches in diameter respectively. The water flowing into and out of and between these dishes as well as running down the collars that separate them is the tricky part of the equation.
Experimentation may be the best bet.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 18,787
Likes: 30
From: Melbourne, Aus
Originally Posted by hkiefus
Experimentation may be the best bet.
I could do all the maths and still (more than likely) make a mistake, and you would either have it boiling over in the middle of winter or it would freeze the whole lot...
Posting Guru
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,321
Likes: 2
From: MI
Originally Posted by Dialtone
1 BTU= amount of energy neeeded to raise the temp of 1 lb of water 1 degree F
1 gallon water = 8 lbs
1 BTU/h = .293 watts
500 gallons = 4000BTU needed
Given all this, to keep a 500 gallon tank of water within 1 degree F range, you need 1.172 KWH heater. Throw in some extra to counter the surface effect chilling and 2KW should do the trick.
1 gallon water = 8 lbs
1 BTU/h = .293 watts
500 gallons = 4000BTU needed
Given all this, to keep a 500 gallon tank of water within 1 degree F range, you need 1.172 KWH heater. Throw in some extra to counter the surface effect chilling and 2KW should do the trick.
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