AC Jr. and DC8 question

[dmbnpj]

Can I join both plugs for my 250 watt halides together using some adapters from Lowes and then plug into just one outlet on the DC8? Basically only use one port on the DC8 instead of two?

Thanks

[dmbnpj]

Any help with this? I am trying to set this up tonight and dont want to blow a circuit or something.

[reggiepe]

What else do you plan to plug into the DC8? If you overload it, you will probably pp the fuse on the DC8 instead of popping the circuit breaker.

[atvdave]

Yes you can.

Amps = Watts/Volts.

500w / 110v = 4.54amps

each socket can handle 6 amps with a total not more than 15 amps.

It may also depend on what type of ballast you have also. Some ballast use a lot of amps, but most electronic ballast use very little.

[rsw686]

If your worried buy the expansion socket. You could build one of these with a relay mounted in a project box as well.

http://www.neptunesys.com/modules.htm#SOCKEXP

[dmbnpj]

Originally posted by reggiepe
If you overload it, you will probably pp the fuse on the DC8 instead of popping the circuit breaker.

pp the fuse?

I also plan on pluggin in 2 maxijet 1200 powerheads (also linked together on the same plug), a heater, asm g3 skimmer, calcium reactor, fan, T5 Tek light, kalkwasser reactor.

[atvdave]

You need to add up the total number of amps you are going to be running on the DC8 and see if it will work. If not then you may need the expansion socket that rsw686 talked about.

I also have the Acjr with a DC8. For now I only run my T-5 lights and my Heater. Anything else that I run 24/7 like my main pump, Tunze power heads, skimmer, PO4 reactor, and others I run on a different circuit.

The DC8 comes with a fuse, if you overload it it will blow, (or pop) the fuse.

[dmbnpj]

If the fuse blows can it be replaced at the local home depot or will I have to contact Neptune?
How much are they?

[dmbnpj]

I dont think I can add up the amps on my equipment. I think the two ballasts I have for my halides were custom made. I bought them off ebay about 3 years ago and I think they were just put in a ballast shell so there isnt a label to look at.

[atvdave]

Originally posted by dmbnpj
If the fuse blows can it be replaced at the local home depot or will I have to contact Neptune?
How much are they?

If you have the version 1.1 DC8 then it's a thermo fuse which will reset itself after it cools down. I'm not sure about the older DC8's.

[dmbnpj]

I have version 3.20
Brand new, this is my first time hooking it up. Just got it about a week ago.

[reggiepe]

I meant "pop" the fuse. Sorry it was getting late.

[MinibowMatt]

you might be able to open the ballast enclosure to see the ballast specs

[atvdave]

Originally posted by dmbnpj
I have version 3.20
Brand new, this is my first time hooking it up. Just got it about a week ago.

I think you need to move your questions to the Neptune forums section.

The latest DC8 version that I know of was the V1.1.

Are you sure thats not the version off of your ACjr and not the DC8?

Anyway just post the question in the neptune forums and Curt will help you with any question you may have.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/fo...s=&forumid=368

[michaeljames]

I have 5 powerheads on one outlet of my DC-8 (so they all shut off during feeding) and have had no problems, I have my MH on separate outlets though so I can control the lighting schedule, I prefer a gradual start up/shut down rather than all lights kicking on at once...