Need plug/outlet help

G

guitareefs

Premium Member
I have my nano setup in my kitchen. There are only 2 plug sockets available behind it. I'm guessing it would be best to change the plug into a GFCI?

And I will be running three plugs, one for the T5 lighting, one for the skimmer and one for the Koralia. Is running a power strip my only option? Or could I be safe plugging in those adapter that have like 3 or more sockets? Anything for aquariums?
 
Typically kitchen outlets are GFCI. Look around for an outlet with the test/reset, and see if the outlet you are using is connected to it (hit test and check power at the Aquarium outlet).

I use a surge protector, wouldn't want lightning to fry a ballast or motor.
 
I don't see a GFCI outlet in the kitchen

So a surge protector strip would be ok? I'll just be running a 4 bulb t5 setup, nano skimmer, and koralia 2
 
@guitareefs wrote:
I don't see a GFCI outlet in the kitchen So a surge protector strip would be ok? I'll just be running a 4 bulb t5 setup said:
You must have a older home. I thought it was code to have gfci outlet's in any area near water. I would suggest adding one somewhere on your kitchen circuit, for safety aspect's.

Cheers,
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I'm sure you'll be fine with a decent grounded surge protector. As for the GFCI, I agree that it is a good idea to have them in the kitchen and bath for code purposes, but there are many folks that don't put their tanks on GFCI's for fear of an unnecessary fault tripping the power and causing a tank catastrophe.

I've read threads here and on reef central (as well as others, I'm sure) that advise against using GFCI's and others that say they would never run a tank without them...ultimately each person must decide if the risk to the tank is outweighed by the risk of fire or shock...I'd rather err on the side of caution, but as I said, many people think the risk to the tank outweighs the more remote risk of fire/shock.
 
@Double M wrote:
I'm sure you'll be fine with a decent grounded surge protector. As for the GFCI said:
If you have a GFCI that's tripping, it's either faulty, wired up incorrectly, overloaded or you have a interference issue. If replacing a gfci outlet then get the higher quality unit, it could save a lot of headaches and cost more for a reason. :)

Cheers,
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If you have a GFCI that's tripping said:
I'm not saying that I personally have a problem with a gfci tripping, I'm simply stating that I have heard (read) opinions from many folks who prefer not to use them because of the risk of tripping causing all of their tank equipment to stop.

I agree that a properly wired and loaded gfci should be good to go, but many people disagree for their own reasons (valid or not).
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i think you never know using a GFCI it could trip for a number of reasons. My first tank i had it on a GFCI and i was changing a bulb in one of my lamps that was on the same circuit and it tripped shutting my system down and almost flooding my kitchen. it just so happened that i got a bad florescent bulb and tripped the circuit. I still think GFCI are good but thats one of the reasons i use a back-up battery for my system
 
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