Tips for people setting up a large tank for the first time

[seandanekind]

The use of one circuit because of lower amp draw per ballast is absloutely correct, but that's not really accurate about the cost. You need to calculate the watts to get the cost...

A 240v system is supposed to be slightly more efficient, but more on the order of 5 or 10% as opposed to double.

Since your power is billed by watts, you have to calculate those:
2.00A * 240v = 480W
4.00A * 120v = 480W

Figure a slightly better efficency (assuming 10%) for the 240v ballast or motor or whatever and you might be here:
1.8A * 240v = 432W

So for lighting, that's on 12 hours a day at 7.5 cents per kilowatt hour, your bill would be about $158 per year on the 110v ballast, and $142 per year on the 120v ballast. Saves you about $16.

Granted, that's just a hypothetical example and reality may vary... but I think that's pretty close.

 

[marinelife]

Yeah I do not think it will be alot but every dollar helps and they will run more efficient

 

[seandanekind]

well, times 3 lamps and you're saving the cost of 1 replacement lamp!

 

[marinelife]

If I remember right, my bill should go down $50 a month because of these ballast, one for being electric and two for being 240V

 

[supervdl]

A few things from my experience with my 210:

1) electrical outlets and extra circuits: you really can't have enough of them and put the outlets far enough apart for timers etc. Remember, leave room for expansion and have capacity if you need that chiller at some point.

2) lay-out of sump and plumbing: important especially for large tanks with equipment in the stand. The stuff gets really cramped in and the more you plan upfront and organize things the less stress you have down th road.

3) closed loop: put in a closed loop if you potentially want SPS, even if only down the road. Now it's the time to plan it.

4) go for the best lights on a deep tank. if not you are going to upgrade later and pay twice.

 

[DamnPepShrimp]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9497092#post9497092 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by DamnPepShrimp
I will be setting up a big tank soon hopefully, 240-300g. You guys have a lot of fancy stuff in your tanks, expensive equipment; ca reactors, wavemakers etc etc. I am only having a FOWLR tank. I am going to have 3-4 large angels, no corals (at least expensive ones, maybe some softies if they don't get eaten). What do I need besides good water flow and skimming? I shouldn't need anything crazy like you guys have on your reef tanks? Just a thought since not everyone sets up huge reef tanks, I like the fish more then the corals. I do have a smaller reef, but that will never get bigger then a 125g tank, I hope! But input would be nice on large FOWLR tanks, thanks!

Anyone's input on large FOWLR tanks?