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Reducing Energy
Costs -
Green
Reefing
Some
reef hobbyists are looking for ways to reduce the energy
consumption of their tanks. Either in an effort to
decrease their carbon footprint, to reduce electricity
bills...or both. Some are choosing to change their
light system to T5 lighting which in most cases provides
less-than wattage. We need to maintain a minimum of 3+
watts per gallon (for primarily soft coral tanks) 5+ watts
for mixed soft & stony and 10+ watts for acro/SPS dominated
tanks. Anthony Calfo & I recently spoke on this issue
& we're in complete agreement. This fact doesn't
change no matter what type lighting system we're using.
One way to
reduce our energy consumption is to turn off our lights for
one or 2 days a week. Your corals & other livestock
won't be harmed, you'll see energy savings and probably see
less algae! (NOTE: if you have low or no DOCs
you shouldn't have algae to begin with...see "Self
Help" for more info) Another tip is to make one of
those days a day we don't feed our fish and the other day(s)
we want to feed, just snap on your actinics for about 1 hour
while feeding. Trust me when I say that here at
AquaCorals the lights are turned off Sunday, Monday &
sometimes Tuesdays...with NO ill effect as anyone who has
been in the facility can attest.
Finally, our
lights generate heat. With a little planning ahead (go
to Weather.com) you can choose days that are especially
warmer this summer and not only help reduce the potential
for tank overheating but you'll also save on your cooling
energy costs!
Shop AquaCorals &
support
the ethical store that does more ... for you & for our beloved
marine pets.
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