Anyone know how to figure the BTU of an Aquarium Heater?

[snickle]

I trying to do some calculation on warming times for water changes.

I know it takes 10 BTU to raise 1 gallon 1 degree. But I am not sure how to get the get the BTU rating of an aquarium heater.

250W Stealth heaters by the way.

 

[1boatnut]

These units multiplied by.....,this factor.......convert to these units
watts x 3.4129 = Btu/hr


watt-hours x 3.413 = Btu


Don't know if this helps or not

 

[Plecosterone]

I don't know how, but this site may help. Every calculator you could possibly want is here. http://www.minco.com/tools/unitcalc.aspx#temp

 

[ct-death]

You can find the BTU if you want but it wont be what u are expecting, or answer the question you are asking I don't think?

The water flow, volume, rate of filtration, % of cover, amount of direct sun, and surrounding ambient environment are huge variables in this and is probably why they don't list a BTU???

As an experiment, which is kind of fun and be more direct to your question; Try rasing the adjustment on your heater 1-2 degrees and time the heater for when it shuts off. It's not fool proof, but will get you in the ballpark.

It's not straight and easy to get exact values, but if you just want the straight heater core type into BTUs you may be able to find something general, but calling the manufacurer will be way easier!

 

[ct-death]

watt-hours x 3.413 = Btu

So, roughly, 250W = raising 1 degree an hour in a 75G tank?

250x3 = 750BTUs

10BTUs = 1 degee per gallon every hour ==>

Thus, 750BTUs = 1 degree per 75G every hour

As a general ratio; assuming I did that right!

Of course this still doesn';t allow for any variables, but if this helps!

 

[legendaryfrog]

thanks plecosterone for that site! Im bookmarking it right now. This is going to save so much time at my job..

 

[snickle]

Thanks all.

I figure 3 hours to raise the tank 5 degrees. Without variables.

Real world number probably 5 hours, to offset the cooling that is happening to the water naturally.