Mattzilla Posted April 27, 2008 Share Posted April 27, 2008 Hi i recently saw a picture on another forum where a guy has stuck some kettle elements in buckets to heat water. I have heaps of questions about this...so here goes: Is it faster? Is it cheaper? Is it safe? What sized kettle element would you use for a 220ltr barrel? Could you use an element from an urn? How do you safely install the element? Does anyone currently use this method? I think that about covers it.... If anyone has any experience with this method of water heating could you please let me know your thoughts. Thanks very much Matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kilroy Posted April 27, 2008 Share Posted April 27, 2008 Hi i recently saw a picture on another forum where a guy has stuck some kettle elements in buckets to heat water. I have heaps of questions about this...so here goes: Is it faster? Is it cheaper? Is it safe? What sized kettle element would you use for a 220ltr barrel? Could you use an element from an urn? How do you safely install the element? Does anyone currently use this method? I think that about covers it.... If anyone has any experience with this method of water heating could you please let me know your thoughts. Thanks very much Matt Hi, They would be much faster because most kettle elements are over 1000W whereas the bigger aquarium heaters are 300W (I have seen 500W ones on eBay). Our kettle is 2400W, so that is a fair difference. As to how you go about putting one in your barrell, can't help you there. I can't see how an urn would be any different from a kettle element. Both would work if you can get them safely working (ie without risking electrocution!!). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kilroy Posted April 27, 2008 Share Posted April 27, 2008 Oh, forgot to add. Wouldn't be any cheaper, the increased wattage would just make it faster. I fill my drums up a few days before the water change so they actually warm up inside the fish room by themselves to room temperature or a touch lower... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colfish Posted April 27, 2008 Share Posted April 27, 2008 hi Matt i saw the same pics, my immediate thought was "how dangerous is that" there would be no thermostatic cut out at a required temp. i certainly wouldn't put my hand in there to check the temp. at 2000w[plus] economy wouldn't be a plus, though it would be quicker. i wouldn't go as far as to suggest what to use or how to install it. certainly do-able, but i think the idea is insane Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motorman Posted April 27, 2008 Share Posted April 27, 2008 I wouldnt do it as the costs would out weigh the benefits I use a 2000w element in my home brew or umm essential oil still but I need to get mine boiling Still its only 30 litres and it takes over an hour to boil Easiest way is get a decent 300w heater and chuck it in there It will heat up in no time and no risk of over heating your water Brad Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CThompson Posted May 1, 2008 Share Posted May 1, 2008 just stick a normal aquarium heater in it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattzilla Posted May 1, 2008 Author Share Posted May 1, 2008 just stick a normal aquarium heater in it. yeah i agree after plenty of opinions, i reckon a good old 300watt heater is the best and safest way to go. cheers matt Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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