Some random questions from a Newbie -electrical outlets, smoke detectors, controllers

[makai531]

1. Are you able to run the components from a single tank off of one GFI-protected circuit -two plug outlet? I understand that too much draw will cause a circuit to flip, however is it okay and feasible/possible to plug it all into one outlet? What are most people doing? I'm trying to plan where to best place is to put my 75.

 

2. Anyone put up a smoke detector, in addition to the regular smoke detectors, near their aquarium because of a specific concern about a fire caused by the equipment?

 

3. Are you folks with multiple tanks using controllers on each of your tanks?

 

 

 

[Origami]

1. Yes, but if power goes out to that outlet or to the circuit, then the tank will obviously be without power. I'm guessing that most people probably run their smaller tanks off of one circuit. I pulled 5 new circuits into my fish room. The tank runs off of 3 of them.

 

2. I've not done this, but we have at least a couple of people around here that have had fires related to equipment failure under their cabinet. It's probably not a bad idea, though I'm not sure if high humidity would affect the life or performance of the device (if it were installed, say, in the cabinet beneath the tank).

 

3. I use an Apex controller.  All of my tanks are within reach of the one controller so I don't have multiple controllers.

[lutz123]

1. It's definitely something to be aware of. See what the power draw is of the equipment you are considering and do the math. Reefcentral probably has a calculator.

 

2. No

 

3. No.

[smallreef]

1. yes...currently all of stuff is on one outlet for my 150g...BBUUUTTT thats because there are no other outlets near without posing a tripping hazard...my other tank ran off 2 seperate outlets...

2. my rooms smoke detectors is about a foot to the left of my tank...

3. no..no controllers, probably because the thought of learning how to program one gives me flashbacks to my failed calculus class (which i still have to re-take)

[MBVette]

1.  One of my tanks runs on 3 different circuits, my other 2 tanks run on 1 circuit.

1.  Smoke detectors only help if you are home.  I am one of the people who had a big fire from their tank.  And since I was not there a smoke detector would not have mattered.

3.  Apex on 1 tank, other tanks no controller. 

[Orion]

1.  Smoke detectors only help if you are home.  I am one of the people who had a big fire from their tank.  And since I was not there a smoke detector would not have mattered.

 

Meet Nest Protect.

 

https://nest.com/-utilities/video/?id=QXp-LYBXwfo&title=Meet+the+Nest+Protect&name=meet-the-nest-protect&btnTime=&platform=mobile&mobileTemplate=&mobileSpecific=&path=&cyoa=&locale=

 

Will send you an alert on your phone while you are away if it detects smoke, or CO2.

[MBVette]

Meet Nest Protect.

 

https://nest.com/-utilities/video/?id=QXp-LYBXwfo&title=Meet+the+Nest+Protect&name=meet-the-nest-protect&btnTime=&platform=mobile&mobileTemplate=&mobileSpecific=&path=&cyoa=&locale=

 

Will send you an alert on your phone while you are away if it detects smoke, or CO2.

 

While nice, my fire was in my day care center and it called the fire dept automatically.  So sure you will get a text that says there is smoke, so it is one step better.  But if you are not home what are you going to do if there is a fire?  You get the alert do you call 911 right away, do you drive home?  Call 911 for nothing you will get a bill, drive home and your house could have burned down.  Sometimes a little knowledge is dangerous.

[lutz123]

2000 watts (assuming 120 volts total) would be 16+ amps. Wattage divided by volts equals amps. What size is the circuit? What else is on the circuit (not just that outlet)? Bathroom where a hair dryer might be used? Washer/dryer? Those should be counted too. It's really something to have an electrician help with if you really want to be safe. The breaker can fail, as can GFI's. Great questions, and good that you're aware of a possible danger.

[icsparks]

1. Are you able to run the components from a single tank off of one GFI-protected circuit -two plug outlet? I understand that too much draw will cause a circuit to flip, however is it okay and feasible/possible to plug it all into one outlet? What are most people doing? I'm trying to plan where to best place is to put my 75.

 

2. Anyone put up a smoke detector, in addition to the regular smoke detectors, near their aquarium because of a specific concern about a fire caused by the equipment?

 

3. Are you folks with multiple tanks using controllers on each of your tanks?

1. Most likely your general branch circuits in your house are fed buy a 15 amp breaker. A 15 amp breaker can carry at total of 1440 watts which is 80% of circuit load. You can add up the load counting all of the equipment to get in the ballpark of what the tank will draw. In most cases the lights and the heaters will be the most power hungery. If in the event you have a power outage the tank will draw the most power at start up when the heaters, lights and all pumps kick back on. It would be better to split the load between two or more outlets or have an electrician install a dedicated outlet or two for the tank.

2. Good idea but only works if your at home to address the problem. Best protection is prevention. Keep all electrical equipment plugs cords and power strips away from moisture areas. I have had a power strip go up in smoke over a tiny water mist that was comming from sump. check everything daily. 

3. I do not have controllers on each tank. It's all about the wants, needs, like to have and money.   

[Djplus1]

1. All three of my tanks are currently on a single 15 amp gfci each.

2. Not anymore concerned of my tank catching fire than the rest of my house.

3. Three tanks, all on separate floors and different sides of house, so I run an apex lite and two apex jr's.

Edited April 5, 2014 by Djplus1