StirCrayzy
Well-Known Member
Well it starts like this... Im going to need a low budget (under $100) Chiller for the winter, because i am going to run my woodstove to heat my house. The room that the tank is in will be 85-90deg for 12-15 hours a day.
Details will follow, but the basic idea is that i run tubing through the floor into my crawlspace (dirt floor) bury a pipe, or just plastic tubing, 2 feet deep, and plumb it inline with the output of my magnum 350. I know plastic tubing is going to insulate, and i dont prefer this, but a 6' length of 1/2" nickel/chromium tubing costs $120 and im on a budget.
The concept is that Ground temp here in Michigan 18-30" below ground stays a consistent 65 deg. If i pump through that at a rate, yet to be determined, i will distribute the excess heat.
Forgot to add that when successful, this method will be used on both FW and SW setups.
This is not the only option i am exploring, but it is the most economical.
The second method would be to use a heat exchanger, and make a fan shroud to force air across plates or coiled tubing. This also will mount in my crawlspace where the air is much cooler. The flow would always be on, but the fans would be on an adjustable thermostatic switch, which already own.
The problem is:
Metal selection. I have lots of sources for tubing and heat exchangers, im getting mixed reviews on whether or not stainless is reef safe. It is by far, the most economical metal choice, and has the most abundant selection.
so if stainless is out, then titanium, or nickel will be my entire budget.
Details will follow, but the basic idea is that i run tubing through the floor into my crawlspace (dirt floor) bury a pipe, or just plastic tubing, 2 feet deep, and plumb it inline with the output of my magnum 350. I know plastic tubing is going to insulate, and i dont prefer this, but a 6' length of 1/2" nickel/chromium tubing costs $120 and im on a budget.
The concept is that Ground temp here in Michigan 18-30" below ground stays a consistent 65 deg. If i pump through that at a rate, yet to be determined, i will distribute the excess heat.
Forgot to add that when successful, this method will be used on both FW and SW setups.
This is not the only option i am exploring, but it is the most economical.
The second method would be to use a heat exchanger, and make a fan shroud to force air across plates or coiled tubing. This also will mount in my crawlspace where the air is much cooler. The flow would always be on, but the fans would be on an adjustable thermostatic switch, which already own.
The problem is:
Metal selection. I have lots of sources for tubing and heat exchangers, im getting mixed reviews on whether or not stainless is reef safe. It is by far, the most economical metal choice, and has the most abundant selection.
so if stainless is out, then titanium, or nickel will be my entire budget.
Last edited: