Lower electrical costs running tank?

[xxnonamexx]

I never realized it but read a post on here regarding electrical usage on a tank. I know pumps run 24/7 I am looking to upgrade to LED lights to save on heat, costs but any way to save from the vital return pump running 24/7? I have a 120gal FOWLR.

Thanks

 

[DCG1286]

What type of pump are you currently running?

Protein Skimmer pump as well (if you have one).

 

[xxnonamexx]

Tunze Koralia 4 powerhead, from memory (since im not by my tank) MAG 9.5 or 12. I need to double check as the return. I need to check the skimmer pump. Thanks

 

[MatthewScars]

You have to have it running 24/7. there is no way around it.

You could run the skimmer for 12 hours a day, or every other day. Not recommended, but you could.

Other than that, I have no idea how your tank is setup so. If you are running a lot of pumps, you could consider one external pump then building a manifold. This would keep down on the heat of multiple internal sump pumps. This cuts the need for a chiller. And possibly some watts.

But again, I have no idea how you tank is set up, so im only giving general ideas.

 

[lfsmarineguy]

The Koralias and Mag pumps are both pretty low demand. I don't think the money for an upgrade would net enough of a real "gain" to make it worth it. Replacing the lights with a good LED unit is probably the best place to look at cutting draw. There are a few ways you can cut the demand on the tank but it really depends on the setup you have.

 

[MatthewScars]

Tunze Koralia 4 powerhead, from memory (since im not by my tank) MAG 9.5 or 12. I need to double check as the return. I need to check the skimmer pump. Thanks

But then if you buy new lower power consumption pumps to save electricity, doesn't that just defeat the entire purpose of saving money?

 

[xxnonamexx]

I cut the hours of my PC I have a FOWLR tank. The pumps in my sump generate enough heat so I have been without a heater for 4 years since set. I don't mind upgrading to LEDs for the long haul of energy savings. I know pumps need to run 24/7 just wante dto make sure they are energy efficient. I am moving so I figure as I move I want to reset it up and any changes I need I might as well do before its new permanent place in a basement. Thanks

 

[lfsmarineguy]

If it's just a FOWLR you don't have to go overboard with a heavy LED unit. As long as it lights the tank and looks good you'll be fine.

 

[xxnonamexx]

I agree I have been going crazy finding a nice LED unit. Theres a forum member that sells a nice unit but a little too costly so I'm waiting on it.

 

[DEL]

I use all eheim pumps, LEDs, and a 1/3hp chiller to cool water a lot faster on my 110. Eheim less heat less wattage. Mp10s are very low watts as well.

 

[aznt1217]

If it's a FOWLR you need little to no powered LED lights. You can even use Car LEDs from Oznium or some cheap ebay LED tubes. You are only using the light to illuminate and not grow anything.

 

[tangy84]

What kind of leds are you looking at?

 

[xxnonamexx]

I was checking the ones forums members were selling, vendors but the cost was close to 400 for a unit.

 

[Archreefer]

Check out the Apollo LEDs Knockout Aquatics has, I just got two and they aren't all that expensive.

 

[rambler67]

well a mag 12 only uses 12 watts of power. when you do the math it only uses 8.64 kwh
per month.

 

[CONSTANTNE]

Mag 12 uses 110 watts from what I can tell. I cut costs by using low wattage return pump, skimmer pump, and LEDs. Also run my mp40 on night mode with uses less wattage during the night.

 

[xxnonamexx]

Apollos for a 120gal will be approx $600 since I would need 2 units.

 

[lfsmarineguy]

The problem with LEDs right now is the initial cost is still very high. When you consider the cost in respect to the alternatives and what they are going to cost in electric every month, it comes into perspective. The prices are coming down slowly but I think it's going to be awhile before we see any really good LEDs in the same range as some of the older tech.

 

[ming]

Mag 12 uses 110 watts from what I can tell. I cut costs by using low wattage return pump, skimmer pump, and LEDs. Also run my mp40 on night mode with uses less wattage during the night.

Yes, Mag 12 is 110W
You can get a pump that's 60-70W for the same GPH.
Water blaster HY5000 is 1300GPH @ 60W
Maxijet Utility 4500 is 1240GPH @ 70W
Its probably like 30 cents per KWH, on 24/7 will save you about $10 a month

 

[mikeco]

what you thoughts on Iwaki pumps MD 55 RLT