Apex veterans, what you think?

[maddmaxx]

Ive been looking into a reef control for some time. I always do a ton of research when im interested in looking to acquire something.

so im thinking of getting an apex unit with 2x EB8s..

on EB8 #1

3x m80 hamilton MH ballast should draw around 7.5ish amps
2x ARO VHO ballast should draw around 5.2ish amps
lunar lights will be less then 1amp
2x CFL 65k fuge lights should draw no more then 1amp

so thats a total of 14.7amps total if im doin the math correctly with getting the right amps out of each equipment

on EB8 #2

2x jaguer 300w heaters should draw 5ish amps
jabeo DC12000 return pump, i think this will draw 3.5amps at full max (but wont be using full power)
Bubble Blaster 5000 skimmer pump should draw .5amp i believe
powerheads (undecided) but im guessing they will pull no more then 1amp

so thats a total of 10amps total if im doin the math correctly with getting the right amps out of each equipment

im assuming i read the specs right on the EB8s. that with all outlets used, you can only have a max of 15amps per EB8 correct?

So how does this look to yous? and advice or recommendations are extremely welcomed...

[James77]

Originally Posted by maddmaxx

im assuming i read the specs right on the EB8s. that with all outlets used, you can only have a max of 15amps per EB8 correct?..

No, the whole strip has a maximum of 15 amps. All outlets except 4 and 8 are rated at 5 amps each. Outlets 4 and 8 are rated at 10 amps each, those two are relay outlets, the others being triac/solid state. The relays are better for turning on low draw things like fans or dosers. Relays click, the triacs are near silent.

For the strip, you would be fine. But if this is going on a standard 15 amp household line, it is not a good habit to run it right at the maximum. This is for overheating purposes and to have some play when things turn on, when there is a sudden rush of power.

If it is a 20 amp line, you have no worries. For the 15 amp, it is ideal to be running a steady maximum of about 80% or so through it, or about 12 amps give or take

[maddmaxx]

Originally Posted by maddmaxx

im assuming i read the specs right on the EB8s. that with all outlets used, you can only have a max of 15amps per EB8 correct?

Originally Posted by James77

No, the whole strip has a maximum of 15 amps.

thats exactly what i said. each EB8 is rated for a total combined 15amps lmao..

and the tank will be ran on a 20amp breaker...

[maddmaxx]

thank you for the response tho. i just wanted to make sure i was understand and planning properly...

[mkj]

I'm looking forward to the wifi modules (no more wires all over the place) reefangel is coming out with. Apex has some catching up to do. I have both apex and reefangel and apex is falling behind. Especially in the light dimming department.

[maddmaxx]

Originally Posted by mkj

I'm looking forward to the wifi modules (no more wires all over the place) reefangel is coming out with. Apex has some catching up to do. I have both apex and reefangel and apex is falling behind. Especially in the light dimming department.

well im not gonna need to dim my halides or VHOs. but i will have to run a long @$$ ethernet cable to the apex unit. id rather that then try setting up a wireless network adapter..so i will disguise a cable to you cant see it being ran to the apex unit....

[James77]

Originally Posted by maddmaxx

thats exactly what i said. each EB8 is rated for a total combined 15amps lmao..

and the tank will be ran on a 20amp breaker...

Sorry ...misread that as outlets for some reason that we will never know

Yeah....with a 20 amp breaker, you are good to go on what you listed

[maddmaxx]

now a random question. will i be able to plug both EB8s into the same outlet plug that is on a 20amp breaker???

cause wouldnt that be a total of 24ish amps on a 20 amp breaker?

or should i split the EB8s up and put the stronger one on a 20amp breaker and the other EB8 on a regular breaker?

[James77]

Originally Posted by maddmaxx

now a random question. will i be able to plug both EB8s into the same outlet plug that is on a 20amp breaker???

cause wouldnt that be a total of 24ish amps on a 20 amp breaker?

or should i split the EB8s up and put the stronger one on a 20amp breaker and the other EB8 on a regular breaker?

You would need to split them up.

Regardless of the amps, it is smarter to do so....if for whatever reason a breaker trips your whole tank won't go down.

[maddmaxx]

yea after sitting a rereading what i wrote a couple times. i was like durrrr why even ask that. sounded so amateurish lmao i knew the answer while typing..

there will be 2 outlets. one is already there that is i believe is on a regular 15amp breaker, but i will be installing a second outlet on a 20amp breaker...