20 amps?

I came across and thread somewhere that put this though in my head. I'm concerned about putting all my aquarium gear on one circut. The circuts, fuses, switches in the fusebox, whatever they are called are 20 amp circuts. I'm going to be running(hopefully) a 90 gallons tank with 2x250w Mhs and 2 96w actinics. Among the rest of the pumps and toys that go along, fug light, return pump, skimmer pump, the stream i win from the video contest and heater.

Do you think I'll have a problem with the wiring or anything electrical?

I also think the electricity bill will go up about 50 bucks a month, does that sound reasonable for a 90 gallon tank?

 

With a 20 amp circuit then you have to run 12/2 wire and besure to use the 20 amp receptacle they are differnt and cost about 4.00 ea. They are different looking then a 15 amp where the hole are both vertical on a 20 amp one has a horizontal on one side looks like a tee sort of But a 20 amp is plenty to run that amount of load. I have a 135 with 3 M/H VHO and a Dolphin pump that pulls 3.5 amps Power heads add little load to a circuit..

 

Hey mag, I have a 90G with the same light set up and of course a return pump, skimmer pump, fans, and all the bells and whistles that come with it. and so far so good. my breakers are all 20amps and up. As for the lights, I called my elec. comp and asked what was going to be the cost to run them and was told only $15.00 a month. To be honest, I havent seen that much of a difference in the bill. You should be fine as long as the wiring is the right gauge as tangster stated.

 

I can't see you having a problem running that on a 20amp circuit. One thing I do see a problem with is everything for your tank is on one circuit. What if that circuit blows while no one is home for whatever reason? Everything to your tank will be cut off.

If you split it up then sure, maybe the main pump goes, but the heater and the powerheads are on another circuit so no big deal.

Get what I am saying?

 

Ya'll listen to Tang. he knows what he's talking about...I've challanged him before in the electrical arena and he knows his stuff! My hubby's an electrician/ac guy and he says Tang is right too!! Especially if you wanna do it safely!

Sincerely,
still learning!

 

@Tangster

Ther aren't 20 amp receptacles. I'll have to pick one up I guess and check the wire guage when I replace it. I've seen those type of receptacles so I think I know what your talking about.

@Luna

Sounds good that would be great if it were only 15 or less, I'm expecting around 50 from some random calculator i used online so hopefully I'm surprised.

@Phish

Well I'm in college so... The most I'm out of the house is about 3 hours at a time. Plus my room mate has an opposite schedule, but I still think it's a good idea to split it up bother because of that and the power in this place seams pretty dirty. My guitar amplifiers like to pop when I turn a light or fan on or off.