Hey there Zombie, thanks for the great info.
I already have the Apex controller cable for my Kessils, so I'll run all those off one outlet. I'm currently doing that now, but the 1 to 3 splitter I'm using is massive. Any good ideas for a 1 to 3 splitter that's cleaner? Does it need to be one of those high amperage outlets for the 3 Kessils off one outlet?
I have two banks of 2 T5 bulbs. Each bank having it's own power cord. So two cords. It's not a dimmable T5 ballast, so I just have them (4 ATI Blue+) all come on about 2 hours after the Kessils fire up and about 2 hours before the Kessils turn off. I'm using the Apex to turn the Kessils on at 15% intensity, ramp up to about 80%, and then back down to 15%. However, you gave me an idea. I could have 2 of the T5's turn on first, and then a half hour later or so have two more turn on. The tank would have an incremental Par ramp up and down versus radiating the tank instantly with all 4 T5's and the Kessils which would be at around 50% when then normally all turn on.
If I run all 4 T5's off one outlet, does it need to be one of those high amperage outlets? What about if I run just 2 bulbs? Regular outlet or high amperage?
I'm in Florida, and run the AC all year round. However, the ladies in my office office often monkey with the AC, so the heater is really just there to stabilize the temp to keep it within a couple degrees if they crank the AC down. It's such a balancing act between the ambient temp in the office and the tank temp. Especially without a chiller. Since adding the T5's, the tank runs a little warmer now. I used to shoot for 78.5, but I'm having to run it at 80 now as I don't run the office AC as cool at night and on the weekends. If I keep it at 80, the heater comes on some during the week when the AC is blowing, but then on the weekends with the office AC set to 78, the tank seems to hover around 80 degrees on its own.
I have one large heater now, which barely fits and I have concerns about it failing. Since it rarely ever gets cold here, I'm not too worried about the tank ever getting below 75 on it's own. However... The large heater is too big and they're cheap enough to be replaced annually as a precaution. I've been toying with the idea of using 2 smaller heaters for while now. You just pushed me over the edge
Do the heaters need to be on a high amperage outlet?
As you can tell, I'm not really clear on what should be used on those outlets...
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Great link! Thanks, Russ.
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