HELP: I don't Know what to Do!

[NateHanson]

You should really plug your tank stuff into a grounded outlet. I'd say that's pretty important. I think if you have any chance of keeping the tank you need to replace that outlet with a grounded GFI receptacle.

well my buddy told me to mount a New Surge protector to the side of the stand or whatnot so that water couldn't get to it...The outlet itself is a 2 prong outlet and needs a adapter for the surge protector

 

[Adam Stone]

You have a circuit breaker panel in the basement. And each circuit in your house has a breaker which trips if it draws too much current. A GFI breaker or outlet is a special kind of breaker that senses when electricity is shorting to the ground prong of your outlet, for example if saltwater makes an electrical connection between the hot slot and the ground slot on your power strip.

The easiest way to get GFI protection around your tank, is to replace the outlet under your tank with a GFI outlet (about $20, I think). You can hire an electrician, or if you know someone who's comfortable with basic wiring they can do it for you quite simply.

that would be the "Easy part" the hard part is getting someone who is persuasive enough and Knowledgeable enough to get her to change her mind

 

[~Flighty~]

If you've already shelled out $1300, Pay the extra to have a licensed electrition to come out. (ignore the fact that I havn't done this yet)

 

[Adam Stone]

If you've already shelled out $1300, Pay the extra to have a licensed electrition to come out. (ignore the fact that I havn't done this yet)

I dont even think that there is a reason for that right now , cause i tried to talk to my mom and my step dad about the sitituation and they said "no" I cant add a GFI Grounding unit to the wall outlet, the only think I can do is get rid of the stuff..And that "Im being ungrateful for them letting me put a marine tank in the house", "and me trying to make it so that I dont have to break it down", "and that this is a expensive lesson to learn...

 

[stang8s]

Maybe you can convince them to let you do this:

1) Get a GFI power strip. Looks like a regular power strip and plugs into the wall. No wiring in the wall needed.

2) Lose the sump and get a Hang on back skimmer. The entire overflow/sump setup on marine tanks is what makes them so prone to floods. Without any overflow chances are very low for a flood.

 

[Adam Stone]

edit

 

[mikestod]

Adam,

As a fire investigator, I see about 200 fires per years. In the 3 years I have been in this line of work I have seen 1 fire caused by a fish tank. This was the result of a canister filter power cord being piched between the stand and the wall, and could have happened to any type of power cord (a lamp cord, curling iron, etc). So the fact that it was your fish tank, is purely conicedental. If you were watering plants and spilled tap water into a power strip, it would do the same thing.

As far as preventative measure, everyone else agrees that replacing the 2-prong receptacle with a GFCI will be a major piece of saftey equipment, for a minimal cost of upgrade. It will cut-off power when moisture causes a short in any of the equipment plugged into it, and provide shock protection if energized devices contact the water (like dropping the radio into the bathtub...thats why they ae required in bathrooms and kitchens now).

If you explain these things to your mom, hopefully she will understand that you are taking every step possible in regards to safety and fire prevention. Good luck, we'd hate to see someone get out of the hobby under these circumstances.

 

[Adam Stone]

maybe i will get a nano cube or something. I dont know exactly if i will get out of this hobby so easily..But the fact of the matter is my mom is the way she is and there is no use trying to change her..And like 99% of the time once her mind is set on something she doesnt stop till she gets what she wants...And she didnt really care for the tank all that much to beging with and this sitituation just adds fuel to the fire so to speak...

So what are some good ideas on getting rid of my stuff quick as possible? Id like to try and sell it for 700-750 or B/o like I was saying.So I put a ad here and craigslist.org where else would be a good idea?

 

[~Flighty~]

I hate to see you selling your setup. I would try to piece it out if you do. You can probably get a lot more for it all. $700 seems low.

 

[Adam Stone]

I hate to see you selling your setup. I would try to piece it out if you do. You can probably get a lot more for it all. $700 seems low.

yeah well the fact of the matter is the live stuff like the coral and the fish should go first...even though im sad to see them go

 

[Piscevore]

If you piece, send me a pm on light prices

 

[heavydc2]

Where in worcester are you, if we could make some time I possibly could come over to give you a hand, but make sure your mom will ease up before we waste our time making it better for no reason.

The fact that you only have a 2 prong plug is kind of scary though. I am not an electrician, but I would guess there is no ground. Do any of the plugs in your house have a 3 hole plug?

 

[Adam Stone]

yeah Some do but not all, I live next to june street in worcester

 

[dedfish]

Any chance of getting your mom to read this thread? Maybe she would be a little more understanding.

 

[Moe_K]

Just a note, I've seen GFCI power strips at Home Depot.

Adam, think if you drag your feet on this they'll soften up? They're probably pissed abut the near-disaster (understandably).

 

[Adam Stone]

well Seems it all turned out good in my intrest, I stood my ground and won but now I have to replace that 2 prog outlet and find out how and why it overflowed, i was wondering if someone with more experience would come and check my setup out, having one friend who knows stuff about aquariums isnt enough imo

 

[stang8s]

Replacing the outlet could be a huge job if the wire in the wall only has 2 wires..which is probally the case. Id say your going to want to hire an electrician for that one unless your have experience in wiring.

 

[Adam Stone]

Replacing the outlet could be a huge job if the wire in the wall only has 2 wires..which is probally the case. Id say your going to want to hire an electrician for that one unless your have experience in wiring.

what would be the most cost effective and safest thing to do?

 

[stang8s]

safest= hire an electrician
Cost effective- do it yourself.

I would do it myself as would most people on this forum, but given your situation Im going to guess your parents are not going to be up for you trying to learn how to wire after the recent events..

Pull off the wall plate and see if there is a ground wire in there. If there is your all set.. You can change the outlet yourself in about 3 minutes.

Another option.. Is there any plumbing close by? You can run a ground to a drain pipe

 

[Adam Stone]

yeah so hopefully there is a ground wire in there