Need home electrical advice for upgades for fish room

[RonS]

Wow...we had an electrician come in and run us a dedicated 20 amp circuit, GFCI but only 2 outlets. Figured the two outlets would be enough with multi plug power strips and Apex power strip..maybe I underestimated our needs?

Doubtful you could use up a dedicated 20A unless you get into some old-school metal halide lighting. She's running multiple tanks, including a huge main DT, a dedicated fish room, a massive pump (due to the lengths of her piping), etc.

If you're concerned, just add up the wattage ratings for all of the gear you're planning to run. A 20A, 110V circuit with a 20% safety factor (20 * 110 * .8) is 1760 watts (give or take). That is a LOT of capacity. Even if the wattage ratings of your equipment add up to near that number, that's worst-case-running-everything-at-110% wattage.

Given what I've seen of your system, you should be well below that number, but let me know if you're getting a different result (and run it past your electrician for good measure!).

I have designed power/UPS/generator systems for a lot of data centers. I'm not claiming to be an expert - I'm not a licensed electrician - but on a proper, healthy circuit you can support an awful lot of today's newer aquarium gear.

--Ron

 

[NanCrab]

Doubtful you could use up a dedicated 20A unless you get into some old-school metal halide lighting. She's running multiple tanks, including a huge main DT, a dedicated fish room, a massive pump (due to the lengths of her piping), etc.

If you're concerned, just add up the wattage ratings for all of the gear you're planning to run. A 20A, 110V circuit with a 20% safety factor (20 * 110 * .8) is 1760 watts (give or take). That is a LOT of capacity. Even if the wattage ratings of your equipment add up to near that number, that's worst-case-running-everything-at-110% wattage.

Given what I've seen of your system, you should be well below that number, but let me know if you're getting a different result (and run it past your electrician for good measure!).

I have designed power/UPS/generator systems for a lot of data centers. I'm not claiming to be an expert - I'm not a licensed electrician - but on a proper, healthy circuit you can support an awful lot of today's newer aquarium gear.

--Ron

You are more of an expert than us! The electrician saw everything and this was his recommendation. Thank you for easing my mind. This is what I get for trying to help my insomnia by reading the 1000+ gallon thread!

 

[sharis100]

Wow...we had an electrician come in and run us a dedicated 20 amp circuit, GFCI but only 2 outlets. Figured the two outlets would be enough with multi plug power strips and Apex power strip..maybe I underestimated our needs?

We oversized and wanted to split the load. Plus, we had plenty of room on our panels for expansion so went with multiples to provide extra safety and redundancy if a breaker trips.
If you had an electrician check, I am sure you will be fine.

 

[chuck]

I had a master come out and do the math on my tank. Considering I had a 1000 watt heater pump lights powerheads etc.
Return pump. I guess there too many opinions.which is ok.
I know that every bath requires a 20 amp just because of hair dryers etc. But honestly whatever works right. I've ran hundreds of 20 amp wires for people. Lights were brighter equipment ran cooler. But it's just a opinion. Simply do the math on all your equipment and see it's all about the numbers

 

[RonS]

Considering I had a 1000 watt heater pump lights powerheads etc.Return pump.

yah - 1000W heater changes everything!!! Lol!!