If you could have 220V for your tank, would you?

[Delphinus]

I actually pretty much decided against 220V just looking at the cost of copper. It's cheaper to run say 5 runs using the standard household gauge (I forget what it is -14/3?) than one run of 10/3 or 12/3. I was really shocked actually at the cost of wiring and how fast it goes up from one gauge to the next. For the length of what I'd need it was the difference of several hundred dollars to have a 220V circuit or not, regardless of how many 110V's I'd put in. Crazy.

[mike31154]

Probably a good idea. The GFI issue (how/where to get 220V GFI parts) would be the deciding factor were I ever to consider running a 220 circuit for my tank. Works well for dryers, stoves & air conditioners, but for our hobby I think it's overkill unless you've got a monster set up that needs more than a couple of kilowatts. One other thing about 220, if you ever get zapped it'll send you twice as far across the room as 110, he he. In fact it's been said that 110 is more dangerous since you may end up not being able to let go whereas 220 will definitely make you let go...