Storage Benefits and Idling Concerns...

[maple1]

Pics in my thread. Just have it set up the same as a bladder tank, sitting on the floor. I would have put it up high if I could have, likely the higher the better - but I had to put it on the floor.

I did that as an experiment, knowing I might have to replace with bladder tanks in the future if it didn't work. I did see pics on here of someone else doing the same thing though - so for $100+/- I thought it was worth a try. If it doesn't work out I'll just use it for another 110 gallons of storage. So far it's working out - the water level hasn't risen any in it yet, nothing noticeable at least. I also run fairly low pressure - around 8-10 cold, no more than 15 hot. Not sure if that helps or not.

 

[mikefrommaine]

Could also use an old electric hot water heater for an expansion tank. Should have all the necessary tappings on it already.

 

[avc8130]

Could also use an old electric hot water heater for an expansion tank. Should have all the necessary tappings on it already.

What about the concerns that bladder-less tanks introduce oxygen to the water and could cause corrosion?

 

[kopeck]

What about the concerns that bladder-less tanks introduce oxygen to the water and could cause corrosion?

From what I understand as long as the water isn't agitated you shouldn't have any trouble. I think I would feel better with a bladder tank but those suckers are expensive when you start getting up in the 100 gallon range.

Another plug for the American Solartechnics tank. He has different sizes and different shapes. I installed mine by my self, it already has the insulation in place and you have to account for just the boiler and it's piping when it comes to expansion. I had some bugs to work out but Tom was very good to work with.

K

 

[avc8130]

From what I understand as long as the water isn't agitated you shouldn't have any trouble. I think I would feel better with a bladder tank but those suckers are expensive when you start getting up in the 100 gallon range.

Another plug for the American Solartechnics tank. He has different sizes and different shapes. I installed mine by my self, it already has the insulation in place and you have to account for just the boiler and it's piping when it comes to expansion. I had some bugs to work out but Tom was very good to work with.

K

But you needed a very expensive copper coil exchanger, right?

 

[kopeck]

But you needed a very expensive copper coil exchanger, right?

Well, yes, it wasn't cheap but it all depends on how you look at it.

I figured it all out and the cost of a LP tank, having someone weld it up, then insulate it properly and add in the expansion tanks (I was figuring on bladder type tanks) the price was a wash. Now if you can find a super cheap LP tank, which a lot of folks on here seem to be able to turn up and can either do the welding your self or know someone that can then it's a cheaper route.

PM me if you want to talk figures.

K