[LWC]

Well, i had ice in the bottom of the tank which wouldve chilled it a bit and i didnt leave enough time to fill tank to the top, well half actually. It was hot to touch in the tank.

Got on the first job was cold, i was like   

But then the next one i noticed the pole was warm, and the hot was coming outta the brush head, not boiling but it was hotter than warm. Must of taken a while to get through the hosereels.

Must say its a joy to use and stayed warm all day. Ive just bought some lagging so im going to lagg the tank this weekend then fill it to top with hot and it should last most of the day, its was still warm after 6 or so hours.

I can see why you guys go on about hot so much, those first few houses this morning were a joy...and yes it is quicker.

I know somedays i wont be able to do this as ill have some left in it, but its nice to see wht its like.

The reason i thought about doing it like this is because vv8edd an ionics guy said he only heats his up in the morning and it stays hot all day, and like i say it did last around 6 hours warm, if i could get it real warm it would stay hotter for longer, especially with the lagging.

[SherwoodCleaningSe]

I have an immersion in my ibc to heat the water before I transfer it. Works really well, and for a surprisingly long time as well even on a sub zero day like today. I had ice on the brush stock and angle adapter but the water flowed all day long. Plus hotter water just obliterates birds mess.

Simon.

[LWC]

Im thinking getting a 12v element in tank, i asked someone on ebay who was selling them about heating a tank with one and he said no chance would a 12v element heat 650 litres, but it may maintain it. So get it hot in there, and maintain it ... should work.

Anyone seen any good 12v elements??

[SherwoodCleaningSe]

If you want to keep the heat, you were right first time. Insulation. Those small unite are silly really, there would also be an issue of where to plumb it. It would need to go in the bottom so it is fully submerged all the time, other wise it may burn out.


Simon. 

[LWC]

What about this?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/12-VOLT-WATER-HEATER-IMMERSION-Element-solar-wind-12v-V_W0QQitemZ120324118772QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Home_Garden_Hearing_Cooling_Air?hash=item120324118772&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A1%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

Just have it on cig lighter and if it did drop just un plug???

[Nathanael Jones]

The other advantage of a full tank of hot is that it'll act as a big radiator overnight and stop your van from freezing. Even if its only 20 deg C when you get home in the evening, a couple of hundred litres at that temp will be enough to do the job!

[LWC]

Yes the back of my van felt warm when onpening the doors nathan

Its a win win situation lol

[karygate]

i have a 250 litre tank that i fill in afternoon and put a heater in it from a aquatics place i bought for 30 quid. in the twelve hours before the next day it only heats it to around 20 degrees but then it is great on the first few jobs when it is cold.never put it in tank over xmas and still regretting it .

[Oakley Windows]

Matt, so did you fill from your houses hot water tap?

If so what about TDS? Is your tap water pretty good and just needs DI?

[LWC]

My tds out of tap is 050, so yeh, ok with just DI, yes outside hot water tap

[Oakley Windows]

Wow!! Good for you.

Lucky bugger 

That'll save you a few quid.

My tap-water in the past has tested as 270, I tested it this week and its up to 370 at the mo 

[LWC]

What does anyone think about these

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/12-VOLT-WATER-HEATER-IMMERSION-Element-solar-wind-12v-V_W0QQitemZ120324118772QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Home_Garden_Hearing_Cooling_Air?hash=item120324118772&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A1%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

Just to maintain the heat

[Oakley Windows]

How would it be fitted?

Youd have to think of the connections etc and the water contact?

[Jeff Brimble]

What does anyone think about these

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/12-VOLT-WATER-HEATER-IMMERSION-Element-solar-wind-12v-V_W0QQitemZ120324118772QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Home_Garden_Hearing_Cooling_Air?hash=item120324118772&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66%3A2%7C65%3A1%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318

Just to maintain the heat

You would need large and expensive solar panels for the higher amperage models. Otherwise its a good idea. As said, insulation will keep the tank water warm for a long time- 6 hours.

[LWC]

Well its 12v so id just wap a cig lighter end on it or wire it in with a switch.

Thought about fitting to lid.

[Oakley Windows]

If it was fitted to the lid Matt what would happen when the tank was half empty?

[chrismroberts]

I have an immersion in my ibc to heat the water before I transfer it. Works really well, and for a surprisingly long time as well even on a sub zero day like today. I had ice on the brush stock and angle adapter but the water flowed all day long. Plus hotter water just obliterates birds mess.

Simon.

Simon,

What immersion heater do you use? Do you have a link?

[LWC]

If it was fitted to the lid Matt what would happen when the tank was half empty?

Yeh not sure how long it is

Could do with it being as low as possible wouldnt it, jsut dont wanna be drilling my tank eek!!

[clean]

Matt,i think 750 watts is probably the biggest you may get as it would zap too much power if any bigger 

[jouk45]

matt these elements look good, to keep the water warm
http://www.hydrogenappliances.com/hotwater.html