Power Consumption

Darkfalz · 10-04-2001, 07:06 PM

Quick question:

What consumes more power, a PC operating with a 17" monitor and powered speakers running the aquarium

or

A mid sized aquarium with a water pump, heater and light.

Just wondering?

Coelacanth · 10-04-2001, 09:37 PM

Especially if you're talking about a reef aquarium like the Sachs one (and almost definitely even if you're not talking about a reef one), the reef tank will consume WAAAAAYYYY more power than a PC. The PC is not even close. The electrical draw of the lighting system alone is enough to power a bunch of PCs. You're talking power compact flourescents or 175w metal halide lights. Metal halides burn bright and hot. Plus the skimmer, the main water pump, various internal pumps for current, the heaters (yes I said heaters plural; you want to be redundant), and if you get a chiller (which is basically a small refrigerator)....you get the picture.

I've talked to several reef aquarium owners that have had to give up the hobby because of the electricity price hikes in CA. And one guy that had a 400 gallon tank was almost matching the gallon capacity of his tank (400) per month in electricity bills. Ouch.

10-04-2001, 07:06 PM	#1
Darkfalz Banned Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Australia Posts: 24	Power Consumption Quick question: What consumes more power, a PC operating with a 17" monitor and powered speakers running the aquarium or A mid sized aquarium with a water pump, heater and light. Just wondering?

10-04-2001, 09:37 PM	#2
Coelacanth Thought to be Extinct Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: My Watery Abode Posts: 180	Re: Power Consumption Especially if you're talking about a reef aquarium like the Sachs one (and almost definitely even if you're not talking about a reef one), the reef tank will consume WAAAAAYYYY more power than a PC. The PC is not even close. The electrical draw of the lighting system alone is enough to power a bunch of PCs. You're talking power compact flourescents or 175w metal halide lights. Metal halides burn bright and hot. Plus the skimmer, the main water pump, various internal pumps for current, the heaters (yes I said heaters plural; you want to be redundant), and if you get a chiller (which is basically a small refrigerator)....you get the picture. I've talked to several reef aquarium owners that have had to give up the hobby because of the electricity price hikes in CA. And one guy that had a 400 gallon tank was almost matching the gallon capacity of his tank (400) per month in electricity bills. Ouch.