Save a Reefer, save a Reef: Money saving tips and options for ALL reefers.
- Thread starter SunnyX
- Start date
launchnukes
New member
I'm actually doing the same thing. Going from a 220 with an enclosed canopy, 3 250w MHs, and 4 96w PCs, a lot of heat and a chiller that runs 24/7, a dolphin 1/15hp return pump and a few other small pumps. to a 120g with an open canopy, a mag 12 return, 8x54w ATI PM, 2x mp40ws, and a skimmer. I'm still going to have my 1/4hp chiller plumbed inline but it doubt it will run too much. I'm also going to plumb my phosban and carbon reactor into my return plumbing so i don't need any other small pumps to run them.
Consolidate...
Consolidate...
We are going from two tanks to one, with a greater tank volume, but more efficient overall. We have ditched 2x MH light systems for all T5. We moved our seahorses to a 34G tank which will be much more economical to chill. (Not cooling 140G of water to 74 degrees any longer)
Instead of 8 pumps to make all the returns, circulation and other accessories work, we will be using only two (large, granted) Reeflo Barracuda Gold pumps to run everything.
Finally, our new system is contained in a separate fish room which can be cooled independently of the house. That way we can run our home AC at a more "green" temp, instead of running it very, very cool to compensate for the heat created by (5) Metal halide bulbs...
Just some of the things we considered in our plan...
LL
Consolidate...
<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15262104#post15262104 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SunnyX
Anyone else have some tips? Dont be shy, we are here learn from each other.
We are going from two tanks to one, with a greater tank volume, but more efficient overall. We have ditched 2x MH light systems for all T5. We moved our seahorses to a 34G tank which will be much more economical to chill. (Not cooling 140G of water to 74 degrees any longer)
Instead of 8 pumps to make all the returns, circulation and other accessories work, we will be using only two (large, granted) Reeflo Barracuda Gold pumps to run everything.
Finally, our new system is contained in a separate fish room which can be cooled independently of the house. That way we can run our home AC at a more "green" temp, instead of running it very, very cool to compensate for the heat created by (5) Metal halide bulbs...
Just some of the things we considered in our plan...
LL
BigJay
New member
Another tip: If you're going to run halides, get Lumenbrite reflectors and raise them up 18 inches (like they are supposed to). With the lights that far from the water, they don't heat the tank up much at all. It's like runnig T5s
Halides don't necesasarily mean you need to run a chiller 24/7.
Halides don't necesasarily mean you need to run a chiller 24/7.
AugustWest
Premium Member
I'm still running my 250W MH's but I run them for 6 hours and not 10 hours like I used to...
With the AC on in my house and the backof my canopy and stand open and away from the wall enough for airflow, I haven't needed a chiller or fans yet. I'm running 2x 250 watt MH. I run my lights later in the evening when it's cooler (and I can enjoy them) from 7 pm to midnight for the left and 8 pm to 1 am for the right.
Also, get an old food processor and make your own food. We had a DIY session at our June club meeting and the cost to make 4 lbs of fish food is minimal compared to buying a variety of frozen stuff (less phosphates too)
My tank has only been up for about a month. So I have nothing to compare to electricity wise. I upgraded from a 46 gal with pc's to a 110 with mh's. I guess I'll find out with my next bill....but I can't imagine it will be too bad.
Also, get an old food processor and make your own food. We had a DIY session at our June club meeting and the cost to make 4 lbs of fish food is minimal compared to buying a variety of frozen stuff (less phosphates too)
My tank has only been up for about a month. So I have nothing to compare to electricity wise. I upgraded from a 46 gal with pc's to a 110 with mh's. I guess I'll find out with my next bill....but I can't imagine it will be too bad.
Indymann99
New member
Things I do that save some money.
1. For those that have RO/DI you can connect the RO to your fridge water dispenser. This eliminates the need for purchasing the EXPENSIVE fridge filters (that I seem to have to replace about every 3mo) - my TDS input is 400 yuck. Also we dont purchase disposable waterbottles anymore, just refil with RO water from the fridge. With the way my wife and 6yr old go through water (bottles) this is a substancial savings.
2. My tank is in the basement (ambient temp is 66-68). I chose a submersible pump (return and skimmer) so that any "waste heat" generated goes into heating the tank.
3. My tank (water, lighting, etc) actually helps HEAT the basement.
1. For those that have RO/DI you can connect the RO to your fridge water dispenser. This eliminates the need for purchasing the EXPENSIVE fridge filters (that I seem to have to replace about every 3mo) - my TDS input is 400 yuck. Also we dont purchase disposable waterbottles anymore, just refil with RO water from the fridge. With the way my wife and 6yr old go through water (bottles) this is a substancial savings.
2. My tank is in the basement (ambient temp is 66-68). I chose a submersible pump (return and skimmer) so that any "waste heat" generated goes into heating the tank.
3. My tank (water, lighting, etc) actually helps HEAT the basement.
