Storage dimensions

[Adios Pantalones]

Well, this year I'll do windows and see if my insert keeps up with heating my 1600 sq ft log home, but I'm looking at a boiler in the future.

For 2 people in a 2 story 1600 sq ft home, how much of a storage tank would I need for heat and DHW? Could I get away with 500 gal? What are the dimensions of a storage tank like that?

Thanks,
-pH

 

[chuck172]

I think it depends on the size boiler and the size storage the manufacturer recommends to go with it. Although many say you can't have too much storage.

 

[bbb123]

I think it depends on the size boiler and the size storage the manufacturer recommends to go with it. Although many say you can't have too much storage.

I agree with the cant have to much storage

 

[sparke]

Storage tank is not based on boiler size. It is based on on your needs and what you are trying to accomplish. If you are just looking for a buffer then 500 gallons will work. If you are looking to go a full day or more between fires - you will need much more capacity. I have around 700 gallons. For DHW this time a year I light the fire once every 3-4 days. Needless to say, I wish I had more capacity.

 

[Adios Pantalones]

I understand what you're saying sparke- that's why I specified only 2 people, 1600 sq ft etc.- but even then it's variable

My question really is- how big is a 500 gallon or 800 galon tank with insulation? Are they 5 and 7 feet across, respectively or what?

I want to know where it will fit in my basement

 

[sparke]

Scroll to bottom:

http://www.fishlore.com/ConversionCalculator.htm

or for a cylinder:

http://www.arachnoid.com/tank_volume/

 

[Adios Pantalones]

I can calculate cylinder volumes in my sleep. I want to know if I BUY one from one of the major vendors- what dims do they come in?

They have set sizes. They sell you a collapsible tank. Have to add some for insulation, pipe fittings sticking out, etc.

I could just seal the whole basement and flood it...

 

[Nofossil]

I can calculate cylinder volumes in my sleep. I want to know if I BUY one from one of the major vendors- what dims do they come in?

They have set sizes. They sell you a collapsible tank. Have to add some for insulation, pipe fittings sticking out, etc.

I could just seal the whole basement and flood it...

The answer is somewhat situational. In my case, I looked for the biggest tank that would fit in the space that I had available. That ended up being a tank that was about 5' x 7' x 4' tall. After insulation, it's 7 x 9 x 6'6". Volume works out to 880 gallons. An indoor tank wouldn't need as much insulation, but might have to be one of the collapsible ones depending on basement access.

The ready-made (STSS) tanks are quite spendy. Most folks here have rolled their own in some fashion.

 

[Adios Pantalones]

Ahh- thank you- actual dimensions

So these STSS/Tarm ones run into the several thou range I guess. Hmmm... have to think on this one...