New to Canreef...

[ryan_p]

Hey everyone, very cool site...

I have some questions as a newbie and am unsure which forum to post them in. sorry if this is the wrong one. Anyways...I just bought a 46 G from J&L and some accessories...I still have a few more things to get before I can start cycling. I need a couple of questions answered before I get too ahead of myself. First off, is a GFCI outlet neccesary? Or will a surge protected power bar be fine to start? I worry about the GFCI breaking when I'm gone and wipping out the tank with the power loss. We are in a basement suite and the wiring isn't seperated to the upstairs suite so our breaker has been known to cut off with alot of activity from the "lovely" neighbours upstairs. Any suggestions? Second question, if I don't start with a wavemaker (I'll get one for x-mas maybe) should I leave my PH's on 24/7 or put them on a timer? Last question, for now anyway, what kinda timer is recommended for my lighting unit?

Sorry to make this so long....but a guys gotta ask his questions right?

[Jack]

Hey,

Welcome to Canreef. There are lots of helpful people on the board as well as you can search through old topics and threads.

About the GFCI though, I don't use them basically for the reason you stated. I don't want it tripping and wiping out my tank. I'm sure there will be other suggestions or comments on that one.

Wavemakers are great accesories but are by no means neccisary. Put the money into something more important first... then buy the fun toys. Also, leaving your powerheads on 24/7 is good. The reef needs lots of circulation to remove wastes and deliver oxygen ect to your inhabitants.

I would go with digital timers. They are more expensive but its a one time buy and worth the investment. Maybe 20-40$ each?

No worries about the questions. I'm still learning and look 700 posts.. most of which are questions.
Good luck.

[mario]

Hi
Welcome to Canreef, I agree with Jack, I myself use only powerbars for my tanks. I also leave my powerheads run 24/7. You would be better off investing your money into lighting, depending what you plan to keep.

[naesco]

And the best advice is to get all your advice from this board. Listen to the LFS but do not buy before you consult with members of this Board.
The LFS is in business to sell stuff to you period. We are in business to help eachother. Welcome

[Biotech]

I separate my equipments into 2 separate GCFI extensions. For example, GCFI unit #1 has my return pump and one of my heaters plugged in; GFCI unit#2 houses my powerheads, the other heater and light.

[kari]

I'm a little electrically handicaped but figure GFI's serve a purpose and recommend using them for your safety. If your breakers or GFI's trigger, thats because something is not right. Overloaded or whatever. The typical reef tank can draw a lot of juice and combine that with other goods on the same circuit ??.
I don't want say much due to my ignorance other than ask one of electrically enlightened people. There's a bunch on the board that I know of so far.
GFI's don't malfuction typically, do they You guys are wigging me out now.

kari

[kari]

Safety 1st, fish tank next.

[Quinn]

I don't know anything about electrical either, but from what I understand, in order to have GFCI's where if one device turns off, the rest won't, you'd have to have seperate circuits for each device. This means I'd have sixteen circuits at least for my tank. That's just crazy, it was hard enough wiring up two extras. I don't think my fuse box could support it. I've never heard of anyone dying in aquarium electrical accidents. I think the occasion shock is to be expected regardless of whether you have GFCI's or not.

[ryan_p]

Wow... Thanks for all the advice!! If I do install a GFCI, will one outlet be enough? I will have 2 PH's, 2 seperate lights, heater, and skimmer... a grand total of 6 outlets I will need. Am I forgetting something? I would just use a power bar plugged into the GFCI. I am also planning to buy a grounding probe for in the tank. Do they help for safety?

[Chad]

I look at GFI's in another way..

1) I use it and I live and my tank dies (which can be replaced)

2) I don't use it and I die and I cannot be replaced..


Just my two cents..


Chad