Anybody knows of an aquarium using Geothermal Heat

[zooqi]

Just to save money with heating the aquarium or chilling it if is too hot. Any ideas on that and what do you guys think. I'm talking about a 33,000 gallan aquarium. I know running a pipe outside in the winter will cool the water but what about using Geothermal Heat to keep the water warm. I'm just going over the project and considering this option.

 

[Kent E]

What temp are you shooting for? This may make a difference in the answer.

 

[AcroSteve]

Sure, use a geothermal heat pump, not just a loop of tank water running through the ground.

The up front costs will be a little higher, but it is more efficient than traditional heat pumps.

 

[Bezoar]

With the size of tank you are talking about it may actually be worth the upfront cost. You'll need at least a decemt sized residential size compressor and loop system for that big a tank. The nice thing is the geothermal unit can both heat and cool. Are you planning vertical or horizontal loops? Open or closed? Make sure you get a pro, the biggest complaint I've heard of with geothermal is inadequately sized systems for the needs of the house. Sounds like a really great idea, much better suited on a large system if its done properly.

 

[seandanekind]

Rusty Wessel in Louisville has a kick-butt fish-house with tons of freshwater cichlid tanks. The whole building is geothermally heated and cooled. Any tanks that need additional heat (like discus) get they're own in tank heaters.

 

[Ploppers]

Don't know if this really counts, but here it is anyway.

http://www.seabase.net/