Step one in determining the efficiency of a display tank involves simple math, which will indicate approximately how much energy the existing tank uses each month.

1. To find the amount of power a pump uses, first take the number of volts required to run the device and multiply it by the number of amps the device draws. Most equipment runs on 120volts. To find out how many amps a pump draws, look for a stamped rating on the equipment itself. If not listed, a quick call to the company that manufactures the model will give you the information.
   
   Power = volts X amps
   Example: 120volts X 3.5amps = 420watts of power
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2. This means for one hour of operation, the pump in question uses .420 kilowatt hours (KWH). Multiply this number by the number of hours in the day, followed by the number of days in an average month to find the total number of KWH used by the device each month.
   
   Monthly KWH = KWH X 24 X 31
   Example: .420 X 24 X 31 = 312KWH/month    
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3. To calculate the final operating cost of the device, you’ll need to check your utility bill. Listed somewhere on the statement, you’ll find the cost per KWH in your area. Simply multiply that figure by the monthly KWH total you just calculated.   
   
   Monthly Cost = Cost per KWH X Monthly KWH used
   Example: $0.08 X 312 = $24.96 per month
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4. Crunch the numbers on the same, newly redesigned pump to discover the savings you could reap by updating your equipment.    

Even if the savings amounts to only a few dollars, multiplied by the 60 or 70 tanks in your fish area, over time it becomes substantial. The upgrade should pay for itself in a reasonable amount of time, freeing up funds for further improvements to your store. <HOME>