if you consider how fast the water is moving into your unit (waste + clean) it's actually moving really fast. the plastic tubing isn't going to really let the heat transfer very well either. i'm not saying the bucket trick doesn't help but i'm guessing it would be so miniscule and probably not worth the cost of running the heater.

you should test the temp of reg output and then heat the bucket up and compare i am curious =)

Just in case your to do list is waiting for appropriate funds, consider this:

http://filterdirect.com/index.php?cP...89aaa86f823695

I tried this scenario (coil of tubing in bucket with heater) for a while too & found it wasn't worth the effort. Increasing the pressure is the way to go.

Ive found a relatively local shop that can do the whole deal for about $70, funds are just a bit tight right now.

All in all the unit is running better than it ever did with the filter change. I wonder if the original cartridges were old or something.