Paddy's Ocean - 70 Gallon Mixed Reef **Phoenix Rebuild**

mike31154 · #1 11-23-2011, 02:16 AM

Run two circuits if you are able. Redundancy in case one circuit breaker or GFCI trips. That way you can split your loads & only lose half in the event of a mishap.

paddyob · #2 11-23-2011, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mike31154

Run two circuits if you are able. Redundancy in case one circuit breaker or GFCI trips. That way you can split your loads & only lose half in the event of a mishap.

Good plan. I'll run lights and power heads on one and return pumps and heater and skimmer on other. Ensures circulation in case one circuit pops.

Thoughts on that?

I have about 10 devices to plug in. And planning 4 extra openings.

sphelps · #3 11-23-2011, 03:14 PM

You can run multiple independent GFCIs or combination of unprotected and protected on a single circuit so unless your load is high you won't gain much with two circuits. The redundancy gained with two circuits is really only related to the actual breaker tripping which is highly unlikely and unless you have two return pumps with one on each circuit you haven't gained any additional protection anyway. You can also run 20amp instead of 15amp.

Also keep in mind anytime you modify a component related your household electrical you're technically suppose to bring that area up to code, this can be an issue with older homes.

paddyob · #4 11-23-2011, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sphelps

Also keep in mind anytime you modify a component related your household electrical you're technically suppose to bring that area up to code, this can be an issue with older homes.

Please explain. I would assume by installing new wiring and breakers that it would be up to code?

I bought the Alberta electrical codes book, but I don't get it ha ha.

I have a friend who is an industrial electrician. I am hoping to gain some help form him too..

sphelps · #5 11-23-2011, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by paddyob

Please explain. I would assume by installing new wiring and breakers that it would be up to code?

I bought the Alberta electrical codes book, but I don't get it ha ha.

I have a friend who is an industrial electrician. I am hoping to gain some help form him too..

Should be OK if you're installing a completely new circuit in a new area but for example if you were say upgrading a circuit in your kitchen then technically I believe you're suppose to bring up all kitchen electrical to current code. The code now is very different from when your house was built. Safest bet would be to run external conduit right to the fish tank so the new circuit could only be affiliated with the tank itself.

Of course it doesn't necessarily mean much, I doubt you're pulling permit so you don't have to worry about an inspection, it's more if you do some other renos down the road that you do pull permits which anything you do now could come up later.