What am I doing wrong?

[FishFrik]

I was trying to figure out how much reef lighting would cost me monthly. I'm looking at a 2x250W MH + 2 T5's setup, so the total wattage is 608W. Say I turn them on 8 hours a day, 30 days a month:

608W x 8 x 30 = 145920W

145920W x 1kW/1000W = 145.95kW

The electricity rate of Reliant Energy in Houston, Texas is .14/kW so

145.95kW x $.14/kW = $20.4

Am I doing anything wrong here? With that much wattage, it can't be $20.4/month, can it?

TIA!

______

 

[afishyonados]

If you are running electronic ballasts, it is possible! By the calculations in the Sunlight Supply dealer book they say $17.34, but I would call it $25.00 to be safe.

 

[FishFrik]

NO WAY!!! LOL

Electronic ballast eh? What are the other types of ballasts out there?

Thanks alot for your reply!

 

[afishyonados]

Magnetic/ can & coil. These will jack up your light bill about $40.00 or more per bulb!

 

[Feron]

Um yep.. $$$ for running tanks...trust me, I have several.

It's expensive to build, build some more, build some more (if you fail the first time heh) and maintain.

And remember, those bulbs don't last that long relative to the growth you see, you'll need to replace them at the 6mo mark depending on bulbs...figure that into your monthly expenses and plan accordingly (and salt...and ro/di filters..and carbon/pads/parts/fittings/etc/etc..)