So I am running out of plugs in my fishroom/computer room. I have nine tanks in this room and I want to stack more. Is it safe to put a lot of fish tanks all on one outlet? I have a heater and light for each tank. Some also have a powerhead, but most of them are just run through a large air pump.
Running out of... plugs?
- Thread starter Industrial
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It all boils down to amperage.
Sounds like you could be pretty loaded up.
You either need to add a separate circuit or VERY carefully manage the loads.
Given that the total gallonage of your tanks is something less than 200 gallons and as you say many are air pump driven your current setup might be working but I'll bet the circuit breaker controlling this circuit gets warm.
Sounds like you could be pretty loaded up.
You either need to add a separate circuit or VERY carefully manage the loads.
Given that the total gallonage of your tanks is something less than 200 gallons and as you say many are air pump driven your current setup might be working but I'll bet the circuit breaker controlling this circuit gets warm.
Dawn is correct. It's all about amperage, circuit load, circuit breaker, and what gauge romex you've got in the walls. Typically, home builders put in 15 amp circuits and 14 gauge wire. However, they do also run 12 gauge, which can safely carry a 20 amp load. However, I don't recommend going any more than that because it can and will cause a fire.
A new circuit breaker is usually just a few dollars, but there are 2 kinds of breakers typically found in homes. You'll need to know what yours is before making a change.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2280966_know-different-circuit-breakers.html
A new circuit breaker is usually just a few dollars, but there are 2 kinds of breakers typically found in homes. You'll need to know what yours is before making a change.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2280966_know-different-circuit-breakers.html
Unless you are unlucky enough to live in/own an older home like mine with Zinsco breakers.Clay;4338070;4338070 said:
http://www.relectric.com/Catalog/Circuit-Breakers/Zinsco
We won't even breach the subject of aluminum wiring.
that link wont workdawnmarie;4338306; said:Unless you are unlucky enough to live in/own an older home like mine with Zinsco breakers.
http://www.relectric.com/Catalog/Circuit-Breakers/Zinsco
We won't even breach the subject of aluminum wiring.
Don't bother with more outlets it is still splitting the line - run a few new circuits from your fusebox to your computer/fish room, or consider a sub panel possibly.
I just built out an office from my porch - it was already roofed, just needed walls. Ran 3 dedicated circuits to my fusebox - one for lights/fan, one for computer stuff, and one for fish tanks.
I just built out an office from my porch - it was already roofed, just needed walls. Ran 3 dedicated circuits to my fusebox - one for lights/fan, one for computer stuff, and one for fish tanks.
The answer to that question will depend on all of the following:jdm_da510;4339032; said:
-what else is on that circuit breaker
-the amperage of that circuit breaker
-the size of the wires feeding that circuit breaker
-the size of the tanks in question
-the temperature difference between the air and the water that is being maintained by either a heater or a chiller
-the number of amps being drawn by your filters (type of filter and how many)
-the type of lights on these tanks
-what equipment is running (aerators/ power heads/ protein skimmers, UV lights etc...)
Every piece of equipment you are using is probably labeled with its electric consumption. Do the math and add up the bits. If you are on a 15amp breaker, be sure you add up to less than 15 amps.