What size circuit are you guys running?

[Bugeater281]

I’m in the process of setting up a 250g Aquarium. I was going to run a new circuit for it. Would you run a 20amp or a 15amp? Obviously 15amp would be cheaper. But I’m thinking a 20amp may be safer.

 

[TheOne]

Two separate 15 amps. I overbuilt redundancy into my system though and so far it has saved me more than once.

 

[Flippers4pups]

I’m in the process of setting up a 250g Aquarium. I was going to run a new circuit for it. Would you run a 20amp or a 15amp? Obviously 15amp would be cheaper. But I’m thinking a 20amp may be safer.

Depends solely on what the total load on the circuit is going to be. Not exceeding 80% at any one time or constantly.

 

[Flippers4pups]

"15 amps x 120 volts = 1800 watts. You can only load up to 80% of the stated rating for long periods."

 

[Flippers4pups]

Also, place a GFCI on that circuit. They have saved me many times from catastrophe!

 

[WVNed]

I ran 2 x 20 amp circuits and put 10 outlets on each so I didn't have to use power strips.

 

[Quietman]

Before my charge in plans, had a dedicated 20 amp circuit run. Plans changed from 120 gal in back room to RSR170 in living room. Now just off household 10 amp. Still if I ever want that big tank I'm ready for it.

 

[BestCutter]

I ran 2 x 20 amp circuits and put 10 outlets on each so I didn't have to use power strips.

I was setting up for a 90 gal. and I used 2 20 amp circuits for it. I put 6 dual outlets in the wall for a total of 12 plug possibilities on 2 separate circuits.

The small cost for 20 amp materials is nothing when you need it to be there. You must plan for the future and things that may be added later.

Dennis

 

[Billdogg]

2 x 20A for both my DT and again in the fishroom for the FT. Split to multiple outlets w/gfci so that I never need a power strip. The parts are cheap - the difference in cost between 15A and 20A is so small that I really didn't even think twice.

 

[siggy]

Two separate 15 amps. I overbuilt redundancy into my system though and so far it has saved me more than once.

I ran 2 x 20 amp circuits

I ran a 20a for my 100g,plus I have the existing 20a if I need more ...Rule of thumb 15A is for lighting and 20A is for convenience outlets

 

[mikeintoronto]

I run three 20A for the 750 and two 20A for the 220. You mention cost savings but if you’re running new lines anyway, the cost between 15 and 20 is negligible. Maybe I’m misunderstanding.

And just a note: your heaters alone will draw up to 800W alone. That’s close to 50% of the recommended load of a 15A.

 

[WVNed]

I ran a 20a for my 100g,plus I have the existing 20a if I need more ...Rule of thumb 15A is for lighting and 20A is for convenience outlets

I thought this was part of the NEC now and not a rule of thumb? I have never installed 15 amp circuits for anything but overhead lighting.

 

[lapin]

20A and I would run 2. You wont need this much. Splitting the load in case 1 trips is a good thing.
Figure in a ground probe.
Have some plugs over the tank for lighting.

 

[Dr. Dendrostein]

I’m in the process of setting up a 250g Aquarium. I was going to run a new circuit for it. Would you run a 20amp or a 15amp? Obviously 15amp would be cheaper. But I’m thinking a 20amp may be safer.

I'm running 100 gallon volume, 7 amps.(has chiller 1/2hp) Circuit is 20 amps, 12ga.

 

[tdlawdo]

I’m in the process of setting up a 250g Aquarium. I was going to run a new circuit for it. Would you run a 20amp or a 15amp? Obviously 15amp would be cheaper. But I’m thinking a 20amp may be safer.

I ran 1 20 amp and a separate 15 amp. I juat added up all the devices wattage and the 20amp was sufficient but I wanted a little redundancy so added the 15amp

 

[AZMSGT]

I have 2 20amp GFCI and a 15amp

 

[siggy]

I thought this was part of the NEC now and not a rule of thumb? I have never installed 15 amp circuits for anything but overhead lighting.

I have learned to generalize my answers regarding the code, otherwise I get beat up ;Blackeye

 

[WVNed]

A 15 amp circuit would not run my sweeper without tripping.

Wiring is installed in a structure not based on what you intend to do with but with what all future users could do with it.

 

[Ewilson]

One dedicated 20amp circuit

 

[motortrendz]

I have 2 15 amp circuits, one for the display, one for the sump and 1 20amp circuit for the back up heater and the chiller incase one circuit goes down the backup is on a separate circuit. I was also thinking about having a dual return pump and having the second return pump on the second circuit.

Is it overkill, yes, do I need it, no.. but in an open wall basement it was super easy and cost about 100$ for all the extra protection and now when I upgrade the sump, circuits are done. Just have to install tank and add water lol.