Sump Temperature Question.

[fretfreak13]

Ok, so I got my DIY sump set up, mixed the saltwater and it's been sitting for a few days. I would like to turn it on and get the syphon going into my sump, but I'm worried. The water is COLD.

I don't want to turn it on and hurt my little critters because of a temperature drop, and I only own one heater which is in the tank. I can easily move it to the sump, but I don't want to let the top (29 gal) tank get cold while the sump is getting warmer.
I was thinking of maybe taking little by little of the sump water out and heating it in the microwave, then replacing it but it would take forever. Plus I don't know if microwaves are good for the water. Can someone shed some light here?

 

[big]

Originally Posted by Fretfreak13
http:///forum/post/3134064
Ok, so I got my DIY sump set up, mixed the saltwater and it's been sitting for a few days. I would like to turn it on and get the syphon going into my sump, but I'm worried. The water is COLD.

I don't want to turn it on and hurt my little critters because of a temperature drop, and I only own one heater which is in the tank. I can easily move it to the sump, but I don't want to let the top (29 gal) tank get cold while the sump is getting warmer.
I was thinking of maybe taking little by little of the sump water out and heating it in the microwave, then replacing it but it would take forever. Plus I don't know if microwaves are good for the water. Can someone shed some light here?
I have microwaved water more times than I wish to remember when bringing in five gallon buckets for PC's from my garage in the winters......No problems there.....

 

[scsinet]

Originally Posted by big
http:///forum/post/3134083
I have microwaved water more times than I wish to remember when bringing in five gallon buckets for PC's from my garage in the winters......No problems there.....
Oh I've been there!
To the OP... EVERY hobbyist should have an extra heater and an extra powerhead or two on hand. It's certainly the cheapest and some of the best insurance you can buy, plus they come in handy for stuff like this.
But microwaves do not harm the water.

 

[chaseter]

I haven't had my tank over the winter yet but I would just suggest buying a cheap water heater and just sticking it in the portable water container and match it with your tank temp. Or, go to walmart and get a cheap, portable heater fan and just run it on the bucket or whatever you keep the water in until it matches the tank. As someone else mentioned, you can microwave portions of the water and pour it back in the water to be added until it is about the same temp. Then do a water change.
SCS had some good advice that I read about as well. You could have a small extra water heater to heat your water to be added and keep it around just in case the one in your tank goes out. Because if the one in your tank goes out and the stores are closed...bye bye fishies Or crank up the heat in your house

 

[big]

Yes heaters in the new water are the way to go .......
In my case with the amount I do in the winter with PC's it is just easier for my situation to microwave........keeps me from needing to run a bunch of them in my garage........