Power Supply

jmike0311 · 11/22/2016, 09:11 AM

Hello all,
I am about to install the power supply to begin my 120 mixed reef build. this brought me to a question... I was intending to run two 15 amp GFCI circuits for the system but have been debating running two 20 amp circuits (GFCI as well). The system will be run by an Apex, and will have MH (2X250W)/T-5 (4X54W) lighting and the standard equipment.

Do any of you have thoughts or input. Am I overthinking with two 20 amp circuits?

Thanks,
Mike

scooters reef · 11/22/2016, 09:56 AM

If for new circuits entirely I'd just go 20A. Not much of a price difference going with 12 ga. wire over 14 ga. and only a small difference in cost for the breakers.

Otherwise, you could total up ALL you expect to use and use a watts to amps calculator online and see if you're covered.

mcgyvr · 11/22/2016, 10:35 AM

Its based on your needs..
This is a question YOU need to answer for yourself..

Amps = Watts/Volts

If you need 15A.. Then you need 15A..
If you need 20A then you need 20A..

Frankly a single 15A circuit is sufficient for most tanks..

Simply add up all your equipment and see what you need..
You've got 500W + 216W = 716W = only 6A right now.. 2 x 20A so far and even 2 x 15A is overkill based on just that..

I don't know what " all the standard equipment" means to you..
Heaters? how many watts for your tank?
return pumps? which pump do you have?

jmike0311 · 11/22/2016, 12:31 PM

Thank you both for your input. Based on this I will likely go with a single 20A.

11/22/2016, 09:11 AM	#1
jmike0311 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Middle Tennessee Posts: 59	Power Supply Hello all, I am about to install the power supply to begin my 120 mixed reef build. this brought me to a question... I was intending to run two 15 amp GFCI circuits for the system but have been debating running two 20 amp circuits (GFCI as well). The system will be run by an Apex, and will have MH (2X250W)/T-5 (4X54W) lighting and the standard equipment. Do any of you have thoughts or input. Am I overthinking with two 20 amp circuits? Thanks, Mike

11/22/2016, 10:35 AM	#3
mcgyvr Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: North Carolina Posts: 20,050	Its based on your needs.. This is a question YOU need to answer for yourself.. Amps = Watts/Volts If you need 15A.. Then you need 15A.. If you need 20A then you need 20A.. Frankly a single 15A circuit is sufficient for most tanks.. Simply add up all your equipment and see what you need.. You've got 500W + 216W = 716W = only 6A right now.. 2 x 20A so far and even 2 x 15A is overkill based on just that.. I don't know what " all the standard equipment" means to you.. Heaters? how many watts for your tank? return pumps? which pump do you have? __________________ Who me?

11/22/2016, 09:56 AM	#2
scooters reef Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Pensacola, FL Posts: 1,124	If for new circuits entirely I'd just go 20A. Not much of a price difference going with 12 ga. wire over 14 ga. and only a small difference in cost for the breakers. Otherwise, you could total up ALL you expect to use and use a watts to amps calculator online and see if you're covered.

11/22/2016, 12:31 PM	#4
jmike0311 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2015 Location: Middle Tennessee Posts: 59	Thank you both for your input. Based on this I will likely go with a single 20A.