Putting CA reactor pump on a timer

todd williams · 11/25/2010, 08:04 AM

I am looking for power savings as the hydro bill is getting crazy around here. Is there any reason to have the circulation pump in a Vertex Ca reactor going 24/7. As my CO2 is shut off after the lights each night, what need is there for the pump to be running? I was thinking of adding the reactor to my "Night mode" timer that turns unnecessary equipment off each night. I turn off my MP40W's each night.
My only concern is will this strain the pump being cycled on and off each day.

Anyone else do this or is there a reason not to do it?

Right now I have 2 Blue line circulation pumps, Skimmer, Pellet reactor, Ca reactor, and a cooling fan, all drawing power 24/7. Got me thinking. What can I do without for atleast part of the day?

Any thoughts on this subject greatly appreciated.

tkeracer619 · 11/25/2010, 09:55 AM

Just wanted to remind you that vortechs have their own night mode.

You are saving about 12-15 watts if you shut down your vortechs which IMO is useless. Use their built in night mode. There is no reason to shut them down.

You are better off running the tank cooler or your lighting period shorter.

I would not cycle your CA pump on and off. I also don't see the point in turning off the Co2 at night.

You need to get a kil-a-watt and plug it into things in your house to see where you can save. You should also replace incandescent light bulbs with CF

todd williams · 11/25/2010, 10:49 AM

[I]You are saving about 12-15 watts if you shut down your vortechs which IMO is useless. Use their built in night mode. There is no reason to shut them down.

I know the vortechs have night mode. That reduces speed by 50%. I just don't think I need them running during the night. I think the flow in my tank is sufficient for atleast part of the day. Did you plug the vortechs into a kill-a watt? I have never seen one of those devices before. Thanks.

Can't run the tank cooler. The bluelines add heat to the tank IMO. I don't run a heater at all. I need a fan on several hours to a day to cool. I have 1/2 T5 and half Solaris LED for lights. I could shorten the light period and see how that effects my corals. I thought light wise my tank was fairly efficient.

I would not cycle your CA pump on and off. I also don't see the point in turning off the Co2 at night.

I thought running CO2 at night would lead to PH fluctuations when the photo period is off. Is that not correct? Do you run your Ca reactor 24/7?

You need to get a kil-a-watt and plug it into things in your house to see where you can save. You should also replace incandescent light bulbs with CF[/QUOTE]

With two teenage daughters and a wife I spent half my time running around turning lights off

That is a good idea. Not a big fan of CF lights. I hate the colour temp of those things. Maybe worth a second look though. They may have improved since I tried them last.

wdt2000 · 11/25/2010, 02:16 PM

It might create an area in the reactor without o2 which would be dumped back into your tank when you turn the pump back on. Not 100%.

11/25/2010, 08:04 AM	#1
todd williams Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oakville, Canada Posts: 82	Putting CA reactor pump on a timer I am looking for power savings as the hydro bill is getting crazy around here. Is there any reason to have the circulation pump in a Vertex Ca reactor going 24/7. As my CO2 is shut off after the lights each night, what need is there for the pump to be running? I was thinking of adding the reactor to my "Night mode" timer that turns unnecessary equipment off each night. I turn off my MP40W's each night. My only concern is will this strain the pump being cycled on and off each day. Anyone else do this or is there a reason not to do it? Right now I have 2 Blue line circulation pumps, Skimmer, Pellet reactor, Ca reactor, and a cooling fan, all drawing power 24/7. Got me thinking. What can I do without for atleast part of the day? Any thoughts on this subject greatly appreciated.

11/25/2010, 09:55 AM	#2
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	Just wanted to remind you that vortechs have their own night mode. You are saving about 12-15 watts if you shut down your vortechs which IMO is useless. Use their built in night mode. There is no reason to shut them down. You are better off running the tank cooler or your lighting period shorter. I would not cycle your CA pump on and off. I also don't see the point in turning off the Co2 at night. You need to get a kil-a-watt and plug it into things in your house to see where you can save. You should also replace incandescent light bulbs with CF __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

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11/25/2010, 10:49 AM	#3
todd williams Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Oakville, Canada Posts: 82	[I]You are saving about 12-15 watts if you shut down your vortechs which IMO is useless. Use their built in night mode. There is no reason to shut them down. I know the vortechs have night mode. That reduces speed by 50%. I just don't think I need them running during the night. I think the flow in my tank is sufficient for atleast part of the day. Did you plug the vortechs into a kill-a watt? I have never seen one of those devices before. Thanks. Can't run the tank cooler. The bluelines add heat to the tank IMO. I don't run a heater at all. I need a fan on several hours to a day to cool. I have 1/2 T5 and half Solaris LED for lights. I could shorten the light period and see how that effects my corals. I thought light wise my tank was fairly efficient. I would not cycle your CA pump on and off. I also don't see the point in turning off the Co2 at night. I thought running CO2 at night would lead to PH fluctuations when the photo period is off. Is that not correct? Do you run your Ca reactor 24/7? You need to get a kil-a-watt and plug it into things in your house to see where you can save. You should also replace incandescent light bulbs with CF[/QUOTE] With two teenage daughters and a wife I spent half my time running around turning lights off That is a good idea. Not a big fan of CF lights. I hate the colour temp of those things. Maybe worth a second look though. They may have improved since I tried them last.

11/25/2010, 02:16 PM	#4
wdt2000 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Mills River NC Posts: 904	It might create an area in the reactor without o2 which would be dumped back into your tank when you turn the pump back on. Not 100%.