"JamesG" wrote in news:1164602361.532228.261020
@l39g2000cwd.googlegroups.com:

Suzy,
I have thought about the energy use also and my solutions were to
take down a couple tanks and give them away. I also have decided to
only use my heater when my tank temperature starts to drop below a
comfortable level for my fish; this usually occurs from November to
February (I live in the southern US). I have a 90 gallon tank and have
one biowheel filter and a powerhead running (with the air tube
connected). I also have an air pump running in the tank. Between
these things I think that I am getting enough aerobic treatement in my
tank. Good luck on that glass project. My tank has slate attached to
the back of it, I figure this insulates it a little bit.


That last comment about slate in your tank got me to thinking... If a
tank's volume is reduced, you won't be able to stock it as fully, but you
will also be heating a smaller mass to above-ambient temperatures.
(Responsibly) dropping the water level in your tanks can equate directly to
an energy savings. I'd also look at improving your tank cover's insulating
value, if it isn't at least as good as the tank walls, themselves.

Regards
DaveZ
Atom Weaver