Energize! So Many Devices, So Few Plugs

[Hugh Mann]

So, going over the number of things I have to plug in on my new tank, I ended up coming to a realization. Skimmer, two heaters, return pump, 1-2 powerheads, and 2-3 lights. This is not something I had thought of until recently.

Anyways, that's a ton of stuff to plug in, and I only have one nearby wall outlet. A second is close enough to use short extension cords. While I know powerstrips are a thing, I'm kind of worried about overloading the circuit running the pump and two 500 watt heaters. I'm not an electrician, so to me that stuff is more or less magic wall pixies.

How do you solve your issues with so much stuff to plug in?

 

[kenchilada]

I have 21 things plugged in to two 20A circuits. It’s plenty of capacity.

My T5 fixture is 640W and the heaters are 1000W. This isn’t even enough to max one circuit. Everything else is small potatoes.

If you overload the circuit, the breaker will trip (hopefully!). The next concern is the condition of the circuit from the breaker to the wall where your equipment is plugged in. If your house is old have an electrician inspect the circuit. For example, old tired outlet contacts can have increased resistance and generate heat which can lead to fire.

Similarly, make sure any power strips you use are good quality/condition. Cheap $2 power strips will have poor, thin contacts and are prone to heat issues with high current items like a heater. Humidity and salt exposure doesn’t help either.

Generally it is safe. Use common sense. If you feel something is not safe hire a professional.

 

[mdb_talon]

A moderately sized skimmer, 2 powerheads, and return pump is probably going to be less thsn 200 watts total i am guessing. 1000 watts for heaters. No idea how many watts your lights will be running at. Anything less than about 500 and you should be fine assuming nothing else is using that circuit(would be around 80% of 15 amp circuit which is generally the most you want to plan for). If it is a 20 amp circuit then would be ok with even more.

If it is an older home then the overhead lighting might be on the same circuit as your outlets and would need factored in also. If somewhat modern then in all likelihood the room lighting is a different circuit(and better chance you have a 20 amp circuit for wall outlets).

How big a tank do you have and what lights? If you really need two 500 watt heaters then i am guessing the tank is quite large and the demand from lights also high? If it is a smaller tank go with something like two 250 watt heaters and give yourself a bigger buffer on that circuit.

 

[Hugh Mann]

A moderately sized skimmer, 2 powerheads, and return pump is probably going to be less thsn 200 watts total i am guessing. 1000 watts for heaters. No idea how many watts your lights will be running at. Anything less than about 500 and you should be fine assuming nothing else is using that circuit(would be around 80% of 15 amp circuit which is generally the most you want to plan for). If it is a 20 amp circuit then would be ok with even more.

If it is an older home then the overhead lighting might be on the same circuit as your outlets and would need factored in also. If somewhat modern then in all likelihood the room lighting is a different circuit(and better chance you have a 20 amp circuit for wall outlets).

How big a tank do you have and what lights? If you really need two 500 watt heaters then i am guessing the tank is quite large and the demand from lights also high? If it is a smaller tank go with something like two 250 watt heaters and give yourself a bigger buffer on that circuit.

House is 1960's, with minimal renovations to the electrical. I don't know what each individual circuit is, but the panel itself is only 110amps. However, fortunately the only lighting in the room is the tank lights. I don't have them yet, but was thinking a 300w LED plus a kessil for my anemones.
The tank itself is will have a water volume of about 250 gallons, however it is in my basement, which sits between 58-60f.