The Search for The Most Energy Efficient Tank

Zaphod · #1 06/04/2006, 11:23 PM

I am probably going to be moving into an apartment in the next year or so and will most likely downgrade from the 90 gal to save on electricity costs. I am interested in setting up a tank to be the most energy frendly as possible.

Tank
Whatever size is most eficiant for flow lighting etc.

Lighting

A couple thoughts I have is to have it be low enough to use 175 watt MH instead of 250 watt or possibly T5 HO so it doesn't heat the tank so much.

Flow
Then incorperating things like tunzes or the new vortec pump and surge devices.

Filteration
ofcourse some sort of veriation on the berlin method BB DSB SSB whatever shouldn't really matter. Use overflow fueled skimmer and calcium reactor.

then anything else you can think of I think a lot of people could benifit from this.

Acolin · #2 06/04/2006, 11:25 PM

low flow mud filter with alage export....

Zaphod · #3 06/04/2006, 11:31 PM

It would be a SPS tank so that isn't really an option but with a smaller tank and a vortec and surge it shouldn't be an issue.

reefnewbie54321 · #4 06/04/2006, 11:50 PM

Theres a user ChemE who has a 55 gallon that uses 2.4 kilowatts a day.

Lights:
t-5, theres many success storys of sps t5 reefs and they are very energy efficient

Flow:
streams

Sump:
low flow sump that is as high up or even next to the tank to use a very small return pump (just enough to power skimmer) becuase theres no need to use a big return if flow is provided by streams. I think ChemE uses a maxijet 900 for his return pump

Filter:
I would go with just a protien skimmer (big one) and large water changes ... if nitrates still seem to rise you could run a diy denitrator into your calcium reactor to use way less co2 but I dont see it being an issue if you go BB with tunzes/wavebox to keep everything suspended.

rpgraff · #5 06/05/2006, 12:04 AM

as for lighting, check this out http://www.pfolighting.com/Aquarium-LED-Lighting.aspx

It looks like it is a few months away from being available but LED lighting with a controller to control brightness and color temp caught my attention.

Zaphod · #6 06/05/2006, 12:06 AM

hmm interesting idea about the sump maybe I could hava custom acrylic tank built with a sump in the back. I still like the idea of the surg providing most of the random flow.

Zaphod · #7 06/05/2006, 12:09 AM

That LEd lighting looks really promissing. i wonder how expensive it will be.

Flamehawk · #8 06/14/2006, 10:42 PM

It all depends on how simple you want it. A sumpless tank by the window with an air lifter. I did this on a 20gal in Sunny South Fl with house AC. It was a 20gal tank with a very small yellow tang, live rock, live sand. Softies gallore. I could not stop the mushrooms from splitting. Lots of saltcreep from the air lift.

moonpod · #9 06/14/2006, 11:50 PM

Use a surge system for flow. That's the most energy effecient method to generate great flow.

drock59 · #10 07/21/2006, 10:13 PM

any updates on your new setup?

Mishap · #11 07/21/2006, 10:27 PM

LED lighting is rediculously priced right now. Something like 1500 for a 24" fixture.

reefnewbie54321 · #12 07/21/2006, 10:38 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Mishap
LED lighting is rediculously priced right now. Something like 1500 for a 24" fixture.

I bet in 2 years there will be way more cost efficient fixtures utilizing leds. Just like hybrid cars will be 10x better in the next few years.

Zaphod · #13 07/21/2006, 10:49 PM

I havn't made any progress as of yet. when I move into an apartment I am going to down size and make things way more eficiant.

outy · #14 07/22/2006, 12:45 AM

175w mh 14-20k 175w
3mj 900 2 modded 1 return 25.5w
6500k spotlight for sump 65w
heater 300w
skimmer ?

thats the best i can think of and your heater and skimmer are probably taking the biggest hit

MadTownMax · #15 08/29/2006, 05:48 PM

I run my skimmer using an airstone, and feed it directly from my overflow - the only wattage that uses is the deep-water air pump

I'd suggest some of the sintered-glass airstones (instead of limewood) if you go this route - better longevity, and ability to soak them in acid to clean when you need to

Ciarán · #16 08/29/2006, 06:07 PM

Use an acrylic tank, they retain heat better than glass. Seios are the most energy efficient stream style pumps. I have a 2400 LPH in my 20G and it consumes 5W. I also have a modded PH that consumes 4W and those two provide me with over 40X tank volume circulation. My skimmer pump is 30W and i get flow from that return into my tank, it is HOB. I agree with the T5s - make sure you use a parabolic reflector.

My tank costs 10 Euro a month with: the pumps listed, 150 MH, 15W Actinic T8, 100w/40w heater or fan whichever is needed.