Tank Power

[mike31154]

Originally Posted by Wretch

Looks like I am just around 400w to run the tank. that includes lights(120w), return pump(31w), protein skimmer(20w), Powerheads(30w), ATO(5w), heaters(200w).

Without getting into too much calculating, you're still at a fairly safe load level. As mentioned, a 15 amp circuit can handle up to 1800 watts maximum, but you don't really want to load any circuit to that level & hope the circuit breaker saves your butt. 1500 watts (the 80% safe continuous load percentage) provides a good buffer & the fact that you're now on a gfci indicates that you should be fine provided you don't plug a 15 amp device into any of the other receptacles on that circuit. Something like a freezer or high power vacuum might cause a breaker trip. I think code requires a fridge/freezer to have their own separate circuit. If most of the other loads on that circuit are lighting & a couple of receptacles for casual use, you'll be ok. Keep in mind that all your tank components aren't 'on' all of the time. A number of them are on cycles (lights) & the heater will cut in & out as required.

However, also as already mentioned, never a bad idea to split one or two critical components such as a heater or pump for your tank to another circuit. Not a problem if you're home, but if you're away & the circuit trips taking out all your tank components, your livestock might have a tough time surviving after a lengthy outage. A battery backup air pump or something would also help in that regard.