Safety Precautions - Flooding/Fire

[xxxbadfishxxx]

What does everyone due for protection against flooding, Fire? I personally use GFCI outlets and do month tank maintenance. What does everyone else do? Fire would be my biggest concern, but besides lighting, what could cause a fire?

 

[navajo]

Fires can be caused by saltwater in a power strip, splashing wall outlets, faulty wiring (especially lighting), etc. Have seen and heard some real horror stories.

I too use GFCI for all tank circuits and do a bi weekly check of all plumbing and wiring for peace of mind.

As far as flooding, it's pretty much a "Keep your fingers crossed" approach!

 

[xxxbadfishxxx]

so would you say pre-fabricated hoods through Coralife or Orbitz are safer? I also use Drip loops on all my wires, and try to keep the outlets far away.

 

[db_triggerfish]

Thanks, for posting on an very important subject. I will add a GFCI outlet this weekend. I purchased one and have not installed it.

 

[navajo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8315212#post8315212 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by xxxbadfishxxx
so would you say pre-fabricated hoods through Coralife or Orbitz are safer? I also use Drip loops on all my wires, and try to keep the outlets far away.

Honestly, I wouldn't say that exactly. If you pay attention to building your canopy and installing your lighting kit, they can be every bit as safe as the pre-fab ones. As a matter of point, they can be a great deal SAFER than some of the pre-fabs.

Just keep water in mind as you're planning/building and make sure the wiring can't get wet and the lights and ballast have proper air flow/heat exchange.

i run all home made lighting and haven't had any problems so far (except when I stored the ballast under the tank. It heated the tank to 83 DEG during the day. but it has since been moved)

 

[navajo]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8315241#post8315241 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by db_triggerfish
Thanks, for posting on an very important subject. I will add a GFCI outlet this weekend. I purchased one and have not installed it.

I was a pretty big believer in GFCI before... But now I am a TRUE believer! Let's just say they saved me a nasty shock yesterday when I forgot to unplug the power when I was moving my ballast...