saving electricty

[nycfatcow]

ive been thinking about changing my pumps to save electricty...i have 5 pumps basically doing all the flow, return and skimming..I have a mag 3 mag 5 and azoo(800gph)...now if i were to change these pumps to a seio and 2 other pumps that are rated about 600-800GPH...think its worth the change..? think i will save elecctricty? also what pumps do you guys reccommend that are quiet and energy efficient.

 

[nycfatcow]

ohh yeh i believe these pumps are using about 30-50 watts a piece?

 

[nycfatcow]

bump?

 

[Tonyscoots84]

replace your return pumps with 1 external pump..... if you get one that can handle enough GPH u can aslo use it on ur skimmer with a Y adaptor....

 

[nycfatcow]

o0o tony i never thought about it like that....i need 2 pumps regardless....one for return/skimmer...and the other in tank for flow...but yeh thats a great idea!

 

[loismustdie]

teeing in a skimmer into your return pump doesn't work as well as a skimmer with it's own dedicated pump. It will still work, but it wo't be consistent. Also, depending on your skimmer, the pump may need to be pressure rated. I have a skimmer teed into my return pump and it's not the best set up.

 

[fritz]

You can use a watt calculator to figure out what your tank is costing you,
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/calcs2.php?type=electric
vs. what brand new lower wattage pumps will cost you.

Tunze pumps are very low wattage, in fact here is a link comparing different pumps and rating the flow vs. wattage:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/ca/volume_3/cav3i1/Powerhead_test/powerhead_comp.htm

Plus you could always try the "poor man's Tunze" for circulation, if you have $16 and an old maxi-jet lying around:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=717034&perpage=25&pagenumber=1