Aquarium Thermal Engineering
Comprehensive technical specifications for aquarium heating system design.
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Heat Transfer Calculations
- Q = m × c × ΔT (BTU)
- Surface Loss: 0.25 W/gal/°F
- Thermal Mass: 8.34 lb/gal
- Heat Capacity: 1.0 BTU/lb°F
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Power Requirements
- Base Load: 3-5W/gallon
- Wattage Factor: 2-4W/°F rise
- Safety Margin: 15-20%
- Duty Cycle: 40-60%
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Temperature Control
- Accuracy: ±0.5°F
- Differential: 1.0°F max
- Response Time: 15-20 min
- Calibration: ±1.0°F
System Parameters
Critical specifications for heater selection and operation:
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Environmental Factors
- Room Temp Range: 65-80°F
- Insulation Value: R-1/inch
- Air Exchange: 0.5-1.0 ACH
- Humidity Effect: 5-10%
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Water Parameters
- Flow Rate: 4-6× volume/hr
- pH Range: 6.5-8.5
- TDS: 100-450 ppm
- Conductivity: 200-800 µS
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Safety Features
- Overheat Protection: 95°F
- Low Water Cutoff: 2" min
- Ground Fault: 5mA trip
- Thermal Fuse: 105°F
Performance Standards
Key metrics for system evaluation and maintenance:
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Efficiency Metrics
- Energy Factor: 0.90-0.95
- Heat Loss Rate: 1-2°F/hr
- Recovery Rate: 2-3°F/hr
- Stability: ±0.2°F/hr
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Material Specifications
- Housing: IP68 rated
- Element: Titanium/Glass
- Insulation: Class H
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
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Maintenance Parameters
- Calibration: 6 months
- Scale Buildup: <1mm/yr
- Contact Rating: 10A/120V
- Probe Accuracy: 99.5%