How do you plug all this stuff in??

[FishyFish]

Okay I feel like this is a really stupid question but seriously, what are you guys using to plug it all in? Is just a standard power strip fine or should I use something specific? I'm probably overthinking things as usual but having this much water around this many electronics is definitely scary so I want to make sure I'm doing it right!

Right now I just have everything plugged into a standard power strip/surge protector. The outlet that it's plugged into also has one of these waterproof covers over it. It works I guess but if the power ever goes out my fishy friends are doomed.

I'm building a new 75g tank and I'd love for it to have some protection for power outages. Ideally I want something that can run just a pump (Maxspect Gyre) for at least 8 hours. Any ideas?

 

[bluprntguy]

The outlet needs to be GFI protected, not just covered with a cover. Does your outlet have a little red push-button in between the plugs? If not, that's the first thing I'd correct.

As for what everything gets plugged into, I use this:
https://www.amazon.com/Individual-S...&qid=1556553840&s=electronics&sr=1-1-fkmrnull

It has USB ports for my dosing pump and light controller and the switches are handy for turning off pumps or the ATO when needed for maintenance.

 

[Montiman]

I would use the IceCap Gyre battery back up to run your gyres. As far as power management we do use power strips just keep in mind that they are not all created equal. I use my Apex power strips along with the power strip from an APC battery back up.

In less complicated installs I like the defiant brand power strips because they are built much better than most and are available at most hardware stores. Some like the American DJ power strips found at guitar center because they have individual outlets. Others like the the Killawatt power strips because they monitor power usage.

 

[FishyFish]

The outlet needs to be GFI protected, not just covered with a cover. Does your outlet have a little red push-button in between the plugs? If not, that's the first thing I'd correct.

As for what everything gets plugged into, I use this:

It has USB ports for my dosing pump and light controller and the switches are handy for turning off pumps or the ATO when needed for maintenance.

That strip looks awesome I can't believe I didn't think of getting one of those, thanks for the tip!! As for the outlet, it's behind the fish tank so I can't tell but the other outlets in the room are not GFCI so I'm betting this one isn't either. GFCI outlets cut out completely if they ever get overloaded don't they? So if I had a battery backup for a pump, should I plug that into a different outlet so it would be less likely to get overloaded?

 

[bluprntguy]

That strip looks awesome I can't believe I didn't think of getting one of those, thanks for the tip!! As for the outlet, it's behind the fish tank so I can't tell but the other outlets in the room are not GFCI so I'm betting this one isn't either. GFCI outlets cut out completely if they ever get overloaded don't they? So if I had a battery backup for a pump, should I plug that into a different outlet so it would be less likely to get overloaded?

GFI is a breaker which shuts off electric power when it senses an imbalance between the outgoing and incoming current. The main purpose is to protect people from an electric shock caused when some of the current travels through a person's body due to an electrical fault such as a short circuit, insulation failure, or equipment malfunction. These are the type of outlets you normally see in restrooms and kitchens where people are more likely to have wet hands while plugging things in. If you didn’t have that outlet converted when you installed your tank, it’s probably not GFI. If you own your home, it’s best to have an electrician install a GFI outlet. If you rent, there are plug-in GFI protectors that may work.

 

[RJinPV]

GFI is a breaker which shuts off electric power when it senses an imbalance between the outgoing and incoming current. The main purpose is to protect people from an electric shock caused when some of the current travels through a person's body due to an electrical fault such as a short circuit, insulation failure, or equipment malfunction. These are the type of outlets you normally see in restrooms and kitchens where people are more likely to have wet hands while plugging things in. If you didn’t have that outlet converted when you installed your tank, it’s probably not GFI. If you own your home, it’s best to have an electrician install a GFI outlet. If you rent, there are plug-in GFI protectors that may work.

GFCI outlets can be wired to protect outlets downstream. In all houses there are multiple outlets on one fuse/circuit breaker. If you can find an outlet upstream from the aquarium outlet you can install a GFCI there and it will protect all outlets farther downstream (farther away) from the main circuit breaker, including the aquarium outlet. Any person with with decent DYI skills can make this work. Otherwise, it is best to get an electrician.

 

[Jekyl]

As long as you're somewhat mechanically inclined install the gfci yourself. Turn off your breakers in the panel until you find the right circuit. Remove old plug, install color coded wires and ground to their labeled positions. Install new cover. Turn breaker back on. It's not worth spending $100 for an electrician when all you need is a screw driver and to read the instructions written on the plug.