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Starting seeds on top of a heated aquarium in the greenhouse
Posted: Mon Sep 10, 2012 2:56 pm
by Bobberman
Its easy and accurate to heat a aquarium with the small very accurate low energy heaters they sale for under $20 for aquariums!! Why use a heat mat I thik a aquarium is better and also gives off moisture! You can also set set several aquariums in a inclosed insulated area to maintain the heat.
Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2012 5:36 am
by gixxerific
Do you already have aquariums? If so why not. Otherwise most heat mats that will fit a flat use about 20 watts. Most aqaurium heaters start off at about 100 watts to 300 or more depending on size of tank. Need moisture use a humididty dome or plastic wrap.
Personally I don't like humidity domes they can be dangerous to seedlings.
Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2012 5:42 am
by Bobberman
I do have several aquariums that I used to demo my bobber in sport shows about 30 to 40 gallon. Once the water is heated I don't thing the heater will be on much in a insulated chamber. I never liked heat mats but they work great for the smaller seed starter!! I like the water heated because it will heat the whole sweat chamber! Thanks for the reply!
Posted: Tue Sep 11, 2012 3:04 pm
by Bobberman
Been checking on aquarium heaters and I can buy 25 watt up even with thermastats in for under $20. Will let you know how it works!
Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 5:12 am
by digitS'
This is only "somewhat related" to what you are thinking about, Bobberman.
I once met a western Washington gardener who must have had a fairly large greenhouse. She put a waterbed in the middle of it and used that not only to provide and store heat but she started her seed on top. I never saw what she was talking about but imagined that it could be a useful idea for greenhouse heat and a replacement for heat mats for seed starting.
In the greenhouse, how one works around something as large as a water bed left me a little puzzled. A large aquarium would be a reasonable size and, with enuf wattage, might even heat a small greenhouse where winters are not very cold.
Steve
Posted: Thu Sep 13, 2012 6:05 am
by Bobberman
I never thought of a water bed. I had a cheap one 30 years ago that sat on the floor just like a matress. That is a great idea. The water would heat up during the day and would not require too much heat to maintain a 55 degree temp!.Thanks! I can't say enough about water storage in a greenhouse to extend the season. You can buy 50 gallon metal or plasic drum for usually $10. A insulated greenhouse on the north side and water storage is all you need!