Rod heating

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Rod heating for aquariums

A bar heater is the most commonly used form of heating for ornamental fish aquariums . Rod heaters are mostly cylindrical glass tubes that contain one or more heating wires. Their purpose is, depending on the type of fish in the aquarium, to keep the pool temperature at a level that is appropriate and comfortable for the inhabitants (mostly between 24 ° C and 26 ° C).

Installation in the pool

Rod heaters are often installed in one of the rear corners within the tank using rubber suction cups and are hidden behind plants by many aquarists for the sake of appearance. It makes sense here to let the filter and / or pump system of the pool wash around the heating system in order to ensure that the pool is heated evenly.

technology

Rod heaters are available in different sizes and performance levels for different pool sizes. The pool volume in liters and the output of the heater in watts must be taken into account. The general formula here is:

approx. 3 - 6 watts per 10 liters

Newer models of rod heating can now be conveniently set to a precise temperature by hand using a temperature controller. They heat the pool until the desired temperature is reached and switch themselves off and on again as required. In the case of temperature controls, a distinction is made between electronic and bimetal control . Newer models are also equipped with overheating protection, which should prevent the heater from burning out, for example when changing the water. Bar heaters often show their heating activity optically with a glowing LED .

Advantages and disadvantages

In contrast to filter and floor heating systems, rod heating systems are quick and easy to install in the pool, even for beginners, and can be replaced if necessary. In addition, they are usually cheaper than other heating systems. The disadvantages include the sometimes uneven heating of the pool (as mentioned above, this can be prevented by flushing around the heating with the help of the pump and filter system) and the optical disfigurement of the pool by the heating itself.

Alternatives

  • A floor heating is mounted on the glass floor and so heated from below. The advantage is a constant flow of water through the substrate, which counteracts any rot. The roots of the plants are also optimally warmed, which results in very good growth. The disadvantage, however, is the strong buffering of the heating power. The water is therefore warmed up worse.
  • The thermal filter is an external filter with a heating element integrated in the housing . It is controlled via a temperature sensor installed in the aquarium and an external control unit. The desired temperature is preset on this, and the temperature is also controlled via the digital display. The advantages of this system are the ease of use and the even heat distribution in the pool, which is guaranteed by the filter flow. Apart from the measuring probe, there is no need to attach visually impairing components in the aquarium. The relatively high acquisition costs of the thermal filter as well as the failure of the heating when the filter is idle can be named as disadvantages.

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