MH running costs?

[siskiou]

So, I was wondering how much a metal halide light costs to run on average.

Just so I don't get too shocked when the electric bills come in (once I actually get the light running).

 

It's a 250w DE (if that makes a difference).

 

And what's the least amount of time the light should be on per day, for the corals (planning on a mix of softies, LPS, a few SPS) to benefit?

[Sol]

250 HQI = ~300 watts, or 3/10 KW

 

Times ~10 hours per day, = 3 KWH per day.

 

Times 30 days per month = 90 KWH per month

 

times ~$.10/KWH = ~$9 per month.

 

-Sol

[CCR]

250 HQI = ~300 watts, or 3/10 KW

 

Times ~10 hours per day, = 3 KWH per day.

 

Times 30 days per month = 90 KWH per month

 

times ~$.10/KWH = ~$9 per month.

 

-Sol

 

Good job Sol !!!

[impur]

Yah good call Sol. I was going to say when i ran my 250w MH with the eballast i saw about a $9 increase in my electricity.

 

Here is a tank electricity cost calculator thats pretty handy

 

http://www.reefcentral.com/calc/tank_elec_calc.php

[Michael7979]

My 400watters changed my bill about $25 a month. That included the addition fan too.

[siskiou]

Thanks for the clear calculations, Sol!

That helps to put my fears to rest!