Aquarium Insulation

[TexMoHoosier]

I was wanting to know who uses foam insulation boards to keep their aquarium more energy efficient and what grade/thickness you use? Do you use it on the back, bottom, sides? I am considering using it on my 65 build that I 'm working on.

[dprais1]

I used this

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Reflectix-16-in-x-25-ft-Double-Reflective-Insulation-with-Staple-Tab-ST16025/100012574

on the sides, back and bottom of my tanks in my basement. they also sit on a piece of regular Styrofoam. I noticed a huge difference in how often the heater would turn on, as in before I put this on the heater seemed to be on all the time, now I almost never see it on.---if my memory is correct.

I don't know how it compares to foam boards I just know it worked for me in my low 60 degrees basement.

[rickztahone]

I used this

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Reflectix-16-in-x-25-ft-Double-Reflective-Insulation-with-Staple-Tab-ST16025/100012574

on the sides, back and bottom of my tanks in my basement. they also sit on a piece of regular Styrofoam. I noticed a huge difference in how often the heater would turn on, as in before I put this on the heater seemed to be on all the time, now I almost never see it on.---if my memory is correct.

I don't know how it compares to foam boards I just know it worked for me in my low 60 degrees basement.

Good suggestion. I may actually use this to cover my aging barrel. My heater is taking a long time to get that to temp. Thanks for the idea.

[mkng07]

I used this

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Reflectix-16-in-x-25-ft-Double-Reflective-Insulation-with-Staple-Tab-ST16025/100012574

on the sides, back and bottom of my tanks in my basement. they also sit on a piece of regular Styrofoam. I noticed a huge difference in how often the heater would turn on, as in before I put this on the heater seemed to be on all the time, now I almost never see it on.---if my memory is correct.

I don't know how it compares to foam boards I just know it worked for me in my low 60 degrees basement.

Most of the tanks I've seen have white styrofoam on the bottom. I've never seen the reflective insulation used. Do you leave the reflective material on?

[Skip]

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/400/ff/ff889d5c-9530-4e4c-b1d3-342c172105da_400.jpg

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Owens-Corning-FOAMULAR-1-2-in-x-4-ft-x-8-ft-R-3-Squared-Edge-Insulating-Sheathing-36L/100320356

great stuff here..

[pitdogg2]

Most of the tanks I've seen have white styrofoam on the bottom. I've never seen the reflective insulation used. Do you leave the reflective material on?

no you cannot take off the reflective layer it is bonded to the bubble wrap, you can paint it ...somewhat

[jawfish]

I use 1 inch styrofoam at the bottom and reflectix insulation on the sides and back... Works great.

I'm planing also on having my barrels insulated, except the first 2 that I let sit for 24hr during winter, water here in January-February is just above freezing point I let them heat up by the room then I heat them up for 24hrs before WC...

Cheers,

Fred

[TexMoHoosier]

Thanks for all of your input. I'll probably use foam on the bottom and I'm still deciding what I'll do on the back.

[asteele.19]

Im cheap and got the $11 1/2" foam board from lowes. Just put it on my tilapia grow out tank and am in the middle of putting on my other tanks. I was impressed by how much it helped!

[wetcoast]

If you don't like the look of styrofoam for the back of the tank it can be improved :just spread a coat of carpenter glue and then with sand /very small gravel in a color that is pleasant to you , let it dry , of course and put against the back glass ....you will have insulation and a river bank effect .

[nc0gnet0]

There are much better alternatives to the reflective insulation. You can find these at almost any home depot, Lowes, etc.

Fiberglass Ceiling tiles

92018

Already with white backing too!

[Debow]

I just did my sump in the basement with the foil backed foam board that alone is making my temp stay at 82 much easier. Heaters are not turning on as much.

[CraigJ]

There are much better alternatives to the reflective insulation. You can find these at almost any home depot, Lowes, etc.

Fiberglass Ceiling tiles

92018
Hi,

I realize that this is an old thread, but how do you attach the ceiling tile to an aquarium that is on a stand? I have yet to find a tape that will stick to the fiberglass.
Already with white backing too!

Thanks,

Craigj

[Oleg30]

Have another question here? How do you use light in the insulated tank? Find it hard to balance light to avoid algae growth