Electric power needs for a big build

I think this is amazing you’re taking the time to plan this out before hand. I’m sure not many would’ve done this and went full in and the panel box is the last thing they would’ve thought about!

I sit on a 120G and the peak for me is 5.4 amps. Apex does lie I hope....

Can’t wait to see this build and keep posting! We’re all here to help you!
 
So I run an 800g tank. Skimmer, 3 return pumps, tons of lights (LED), 3x 500w heaters, 6 powerheads, all the bells and whistles. Go look at my build thread for the list or details..

1611316575027.png


That's a snap I just took now from my whole-home power monitor for the 2 circuits for the fish room. So that shows everything, even stuff the Apex won't pick up. The big spikes are the 500w heaters kicking up. But it's been warm this week, so:

1611316742836.png


That's 90 days worth of data (there are a few missed days in there, yeah). You can even see where all 3 heaters kicked up. They eat about 438w each.

So that's some real, live data for you to chew on, from a running tank, for 90 days. I seriously doubt you need 5 circuits.. I have dual 20's and don't even come close to maxxing either of them out. I have the heaters in a flip-flop setup, with the third as a backup that almost never runs, but even if it does, it's just 2 heaters running on the B circuit, because one of them is on the A side.

Hope that helps a little.
 

TOP 10 Trending Threads

WHAT’S USUALLY THE FIRST CLUE THAT SOMETHING IS OFF IN YOUR REEF?

  • A fish’s behavior or appetite changes

    Votes: 2 7.4%
  • A coral looks different or stops opening normally

    Votes: 17 63.0%
  • Water clarity or surface appearance changes

    Votes: 3 11.1%
  • Equipment sounds or flow seem different

    Votes: 3 11.1%
  • A test result catches my attention

    Votes: 6 22.2%
  • Algae or other growth starts changing

    Votes: 6 22.2%
  • I usually notice when the problem is already obvious

    Votes: 1 3.7%
  • It depends on what’s going on

    Votes: 5 18.5%
  • Other (Post in the comments)

    Votes: 1 3.7%
Back
Top
Home
Post thread…
Market
What's new