Can Electric Eels Power Our Christmas Trees?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of using electric eels to power Christmas tree lights, inspired by a Japanese aquarium's initiative. Participants explore the feasibility, practicality, and implications of this idea, touching on themes of energy generation, cost, and sustainability.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants highlight the novelty of using electric eels to power Christmas lights, noting the potential energy output of up to 800 Watts when the eel moves.
  • Others argue against the practicality of the idea, citing the costs associated with feeding the eel and maintaining its tank, which may exceed the energy savings.
  • A participant humorously suggests that if eels were served as a Christmas dinner main course, it could create a market for "Eelectric Trees" that come with the eel included.
  • Another participant raises a humorous point about the feasibility of using multiple eels in an electric car, questioning whether the cost of feeding them would be less than gasoline.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express mixed views, with some supporting the innovative idea while others challenge its practicality and sustainability. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall feasibility of using electric eels for this purpose.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not reach a consensus on the practicality or economic viability of using electric eels to power Christmas trees, and the discussion includes speculative ideas that are not grounded in established facts.

fourier jr
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An aquarium in Japan has discovered a novel way of saving energy this holiday season - the lights on the centre's Christmas tree are powered by an electric eel.

Every time the fish moves in its tank, it discharges up to 800 Watts of electricity which is supplied to the tree through cables.
http://www.russiatoday.ru/features/news/18499/video
http://www.russiatoday.ru/news/news/18499
 
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Stupid idea, you have to feed the eel and keep the tank clean, which costs more than 0.8kW of electricity that isn't even constant.
 
Hmm, this infringes on my laser-shark powered hydroelectric dam. I'm calling my lawyer.
 
Well it IS a aquarium, which has to take care of the eel anyways. Good idea, if it were near me, I would take my grandkids to see it.
 
If we made eel the traditional Christmas dinner main course, this could all work out. You just sell Eelectric Trees [with the eel already in the base] that are powered by Christmas dinner.
 
dst said:
Hmm, this infringes on my laser-shark powered hydroelectric dam. I'm calling my lawyer.


I have one of those in my back yard. I have to keep feeding the damn shark.:cool:

That part must have been in the fine print.
 
Ivan Seeking said:
If we made eel the traditional Christmas dinner main course, this could all work out. You just sell Eelectric Trees [with the eel already in the base] that are powered by Christmas dinner.

Hmm, if we put a bunch off eels in an electric car would the cost of feeding them be cheaper than gasoline?
 

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