Get temp. of water right for water change

We all know how cold it gets during winter and doing a water change can be a challenge to make sure your temp. does not drop too low. So I build myself a heater with which I can quickly get 70lt of water to the right temp.

I bought a geyser element and mounted it like this with resin. All electrical parts is covered with resin. The third picture is before the resin and as you can see, very dangerous.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

I then hang it in my container, with a pump circulating the water, otherwise the bottom stays cold and the top overheat, so you can not take accurate measurements.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

This worked fine, but the resin developed small cracks, so I mounted the whole contraption in a 5lt ice cream bucket.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Now I feel much safer knowing that water can not get to the electrical parts.

Only problem now is I can not leave and forget it, as it will overheat and start to boil!

If your element is not covered in water all the way to the top, it is going to overheat, melt, short circuit and can burn your house down!

[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Damn! Clever idea Tom! Why didn't I think of that? Jip during winter water changes are a huge hickup! I've got a 210liter drum that I'm going to use! Thanks for sharing the info Tom

Hi TomK
Great idea.
Where do get the resin used?

I had some left over from the fibre glass job on my pool. I bought it at my local paint shop. I suppose any resin will do.