How many watts can you have

Triggreef · Mar 2, 2016

On one dedicated fish tank circuit? I have a gfi circuit breaker, gfi outlets etc but I seen to have a lot of equipment. Many of which don't all run at the same time, but let's say they do one day... When you have a large system and several tanks running together, I.e. Main tank, sump, fuge, frag tank. I have 5 wave pumps, basically 3 return pumps for various things, 930w of led over my tank, another 400w leds over the frag tank, fuge light, 3 x's 300 watt heaters etc etc. Not to mention 3 more pumps and 2 more heaters in my mixing station.

So if we went by watts, since that's how everything pump and heater and lighting is measured to the consumer... How many watts of equipment could I run on one 15 amp circuit?

There must be some others that are wondering how much is too much?

Kershaw · Mar 2, 2016

1800 watts on a 15amp circuit

Kershaw · Mar 2, 2016

If you can run 220 circuit for yout MH ballast and some other components that can take 220 you can reduce amp draw and it will lower your bill. I ran 1500 amps on a 180gal system on my first tank.

Kershaw · Mar 2, 2016

Nvm the mh ballest read post to fast

Kershaw · Mar 2, 2016

Get a meter with amp clamp and you can see your amp draw at panel

Kershaw · Mar 2, 2016

If you are running 12g wire you can change breaker to a 20 amp

Triggreef · Mar 2, 2016

My wires are 12g. I probably do have a 20a breaker. I wasn't looking at it at the moment.

Triggreef · Mar 2, 2016

So just my heaters and lighting is over the limit then. Lol fantastic.

Kershaw · Mar 2, 2016

I would still get a amp clamp and make sure all is on and see what your draw is. Just place clamp around black wire off breaker.

Kershaw · Mar 2, 2016

I am in havc and I regularly run new circuits. Just so you know where I am getting info.

Smite · Mar 2, 2016

Add up all your watts. Enter them here :
this HTML class. Value is http://www.rapidtabl

You'll be single phase x 115/120v

Best way is described above to get a true reading. Volt meter with an amp clamp around the cord that goes into the outlet *if that is a dedicated fish tank circuit. If not you'll need to do it at the panel.

Just remember your total amperage draw should be no more than 80% of the breaker rating.

alton · Mar 2, 2016

Since your load would be considered continuous take 120v x 15a x .8 (80%) = 1,440 watts. Since you have #12 copper go to a 20 amp GFCI breaker. 120v x 20a x x .8 = 1,920 watts