Warning

[Rice Reef]

Glad to hear everyone is safe... I better check all my electrical this weekend... Too much water and plugs around... Thank you for sharing, Brad

[justincgdick]

I take it you weren't using GFCIs?

I don't want this to come across wrong, but not using GFI protection is extremely risky on a reef tank. There's not much more you could do to be more unsafe in your home.

You really need to have a bunch of plugs to protect the whole system because you don't want to take down the system in one fell swoop with a single GFI to a powerbar, although it's safe as long as you don't over current the plug or circuit.

I don't mean to be snappy or insulting with this, but it really is a life or death deal. Nobody wants a house to burn down when a fish splashes.

[gregzz4]

I have 13 GFCIs and 2 Surge suppressors
Think it'll do the trick ?

[justincgdick]

Yes, that's perfect. I don't understand why there are no surge protectors (being sold) where each plug is it's own GFI. For reefers it would be awesome.

Ideally you'd have a few different circuits, lightly loaded with a surge protection (might as well protect the whole house at the panel) and separate GFIs for all the gear. A few switches are nice too so you can shut down a pump or whatever easily. A few regular plugs are good for anything that doesn't contact water and you want to save a few bucks. The electrical along can run $200-600 for a big tank. That's just under the stand.

[gregzz4]

FYI for anyone looking at my contraption ...
The GFCIs are not hard-wired - they are corded to the power bars so are still controllable

[Coralgurl]

Glad to hear all turned out ok, what a scary situation, you must have angels looking out for you!

I was thinking about starting an electrical thread to see how everyone has theirs set up. I have my power bars attached to the legs of my stand, as I make such a mess with water, but I'm out of plug ins and need more equipment.....

Gregzz4 - where did you find those outlets?

[gregzz4]

Originally Posted by Coralgurl

Gregzz4 - where did you find those outlets?

I made them
PM me if you start an electrical thread and I'll link the parts

[gregzz4]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

... and 2 Surge suppressors

Oops, I actually have 3