HE equipment/ tricks to save $ ???

[Skerp]

Hey peeps I was looking through an aquatic ecosystems catalog and they've got a bunch of high efficiency pumps and a few newer light bulbs and fixtures that claim to save you a good chunk of change over the course of one year as compared to standard equipment. I was wondering if anyone uses or has seen any other equipment that is HE like maybe heaters or anything else... I'm interested in seeing exactly how much i could save per month or year if i get into some DIY projects and using HE equipment. I'd probably be willing to go as far as solar panels even but thats a different story. Obviously the reason for this post is because im not quite financially independant since im still in school and living with the parents. So any tips or tricks that can cut down monthly costs would be greatly appreciated. Also if you know of any good HE products for aquariums please do tell.

Thanks
Matt

 

[asmujica]

Look into tunzes. For supplies you can get good deals at www.bulkreefsupply.com

Installing solartubes might also help.

I've always wanted to try installing a wind turbine on the roof, one of those small x-wind turbines, maybe now is the time.....

 

[Skerp]

Thanks a bunch

 

[noboddi]

Recently looked into a turbine and it was like 35k. Not cost effective yet

Tunzes are a good thought. I use a Vortech Pump and a low flow (and wattage) return pump. Vortechs are also low wattage. T5s also give a lot of bang for the buck for lighting.

 

[asmujica]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=14748630#post14748630 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by noboddi
Recently looked into a turbine and it was like 35k. Not cost effective yet

Tunzes are a good thought. I use a Vortech Pump and a low flow (and wattage) return pump. Vortechs are also low wattage. T5s also give a lot of bang for the buck for lighting.

http://www.amazon.com/Sunforce-4444..._2?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1238714770&sr=8-2

They are not to bad, I would hook it up to my already efficient tank

TUNZE DOC Skimmer 9010 21 watts
VorTech MP20 Propeller Pump 18 watts
Eheim 1250 28 watts
Tek Light 96 watts
Titanium heater 150 watts

Total: 313 watts

The heater never turns on in my tank, the outside temp is a hot 90+ fahrenheit. The chiller on the other hand might have to be plugged directly into the grid.

 

[reefscape15]

There is something you can do to make your whole house cost way less, and still run everything you already have. I'm not sure if you are electrical friendly at all, but if you open you have an Ammeter with a clamp-on attachment there is an easy way to save. Turn everything on in your house and go down to your breaker box. Open it and take the meter to check the current on both the A-phase (black, left side of main feed) and B-phase (should be red, right side of main feed) If there is a large difference between the two, go through all the wires one at a time with the meter and check the current on each wire. Going from top to bottom every other breaker is on one phase, and the rest are on the other. on the left side 1,5,9,13,17,etc. and 2,6,10,14,18,etc. are on A-phase. 3,7,11,15,19,etc and 4,8,12,16,20,etc. are on B-phase. You can swap all the 20amp wires around to other 20amp breakers, and try to end up getting the same current draw on the two main feed wires in the panel to have as close to the same current draw as each other. The only thing that your local utility charges you on is what comes out on the Neutral wire, which is the difference between A-phase and B-phase. If you have a large current draw on A-phase and small current draw on B-phase, you will be charged more, but if they are close to each other in current draw you will be charged less.

I hope that wasn't a bunch of rambling that doesn't make sence to anyone, but if you feel comfortable messing around with you electrical panel it's well worth your time. Hope i can help a little bit!