How Does Ambient Temperature Affect Aquarium Water Temperature?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on how ambient temperature influences the temperature of aquarium water, specifically within an enclosed system. Participants explore the calculations and parameters necessary to maintain a desired water temperature in relation to the surrounding air temperature.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks to determine the room temperature needed to achieve a specific aquarium water temperature, emphasizing the need for calculations related to an enclosed system.
  • Another participant suggests that it would be challenging to maintain a water temperature significantly different from the ambient air temperature, indicating a potential misunderstanding of the question.
  • A later reply clarifies that, under consistent conditions, the water temperature will align closely with the air temperature, although the participant initially considered factors like evaporation and wet bulb temperature.
  • One participant acknowledges that while there may be a small effect from other factors, it is minimal and may not significantly impact the overall temperature difference.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the extent to which ambient temperature affects aquarium water temperature, with some suggesting a close correlation while others note minor effects. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specific calculations and parameters needed.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully explored the assumptions regarding the enclosed system or the specific conditions that might affect the temperature equilibrium between the water and air.

Protek
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Hello, I am in the process of trying to figure out the conditions required to heat an aquarium using the surrounding air. The first step is to figure out how to calculate the room temperature required to keep the aquarium at a desired temperature. I was drawn to this forum when I ran across another persons post on something similar but they wanted to know how to calculate natural bodies.

I'm wanting to know about an enclosed system, one body of water with adequate time to reach equilibrium with the atmosphere, what parameters would I need to control within that enclosed space to reach a desired temperature of the water and how would I calculate those parameters. Thank you for your time
 
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It seems to me that you would have to work very hard to make the water any substantially different temperature than the ambient air. Perhaps I misunderstand the question
 
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hutchphd said:
It seems to me that you would have to work very hard to make the water any substantially different temperature than the ambient air. Perhaps I misunderstand the question
No I was just confused, I was thinking about evaporation and wet bulb and was in a rabbit hole. Now I understand that all other factors equal and unchanging the water will be the same temperature as the air. It's late and I didn't get a lot of sleep. Thank you though
 
There will be a small effect as you describe, but it is de minimus!
 

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