Is it possible that an aquarium could have tripled my electric bill in one month?

Question

I set up a 55 gallon aquarium last month, and I have the filter and heater running constantly. That's the only thing that I can think of that's different. My electric bill went from $110 to $345 last month.

Answer 1

ABSOLUTELY, i have a 220 gallon tank between the heaters and the filter it cost me about 100.00 a month.

P.S. Do this turn everything off and go out side and watch the meter start to turn everything back on leave the tank for last, turn the filters on first, then power heads, then the heater, see if it doesn't spin faster

Answer 2

I cannot believe an aquarium could add that much. Geez we have so many people in this house with Tvs and stereos on plus the ac running all the time and never goes past 150. Check with the electric co. Seems to be a problem maybe.

Answer 3

Unless your electric is REALLY expensive, no way. Using an average of $0.10/kWh, you would appear to be using on average an extra 3200W 24/7 more than last month. Your filter and heater probably aren't rated for more than 200W each, so it has to be something else.

I would guess that either your HVAC or water heater is on the fritz or you have a hot water leak somewhere. 3200W is equivalent to 27 amps at 120V, so the problem is either spread across multiple regular circuits or involves one of the high amp/volt circuits.

Answer 4

A 55 gal. tank shouldn't have increased it that much. Are there other factors? Has the weather become much colder in the past month? Do you have a dripping hot water tap? Could the utility company made a mistake when they read the meter? I had a sudden rise in my electric bill and requested that they reread the meter. It turned out that the meter reader had made a mistake.

Answer 5

Absolutely not.
Are you running your AC 24-7?
Something is wrong, call your utility company and maybe there is a mistake.
I have two tanks indoor and a pond outdoors that all have electrical devices running. I only saw a slight increase in my bill.
Now, my swimming pool, that is a different story.

Answer 6

nope..absoultely no...it will not that much cost you if u had an aquarium...try to check your electric wiring or any jumper,, or maybe one your neighbor was illegal tap on your electric connection taht your not aware....and lasltly you must work it on your electric company...and ask anything about your bill

Answer 7

its not the aquarium, its your electicals!