Fire

Capt. Nemo · 04/26/2006, 07:34 PM

As a newbie, I am a bit alarmed to hear that a number of you have expressed a fear of a fire. Could someone please explain what the leading causes of saltwater tank fires are and how they can be prevented. And how serious is this threat and are we talking a major fire which would threaten life and property. Thank you.

Gary

szwab · 04/26/2006, 07:49 PM

I believe the fear is from diy lighting fixtures and the use of VHO endcaps. with care and proper installation IMO most of the risk can be avoided

Capt. Nemo · 04/26/2006, 07:56 PM

Do you mean' do it yourself lighting fixtures? And I've heard that water splashing on timers and salt creep could also be causes of fire. Is this true?

szwab · 04/26/2006, 08:05 PM

yes do it yourself. and yes you do need to be careful with water and elec. especially salt water since the salt portion makes it very conductive. the use of gfi's can help the safety factor but may trip when the "time is not right"

Bebo77 · 04/26/2006, 08:46 PM

make sure you put a drip loop on power cords as well... you dont want water running down a cord into the power strip...

Scuba_Dave · 04/26/2006, 08:48 PM

Many sources of fire in a reef tank
Very hot lights in a wood canopy - the wood could burn
Loose connection - arc - electrical fire - LOTS of electric in a tank setup
Water splashing on a bulb - breaks - fire
Salt water/salt getting into any electrical connection can cause a short - fire
Drip loops are needed for any wires
Tank cracks/leaks - into electric - fire
Poor equipment - fire

My electric is almost 3' away from the tank's drains

and yes...I charred my canopy when I 1st set it up

adam_not4u · 04/26/2006, 09:03 PM

Very...Very...good points here!

Let's be safe out there guys... Kiddin' aside, GFCI's and drip loops are great ideas!

Fire prevention with a ded. smoke detector above tank is awesome but besides fire getting shocked sucks....
Ground probes, rubber mats and professional electrical installations are a must. Spend the xtra money and enclose those connections or at least get the silcone filled wire nuts or heat shrink.
My 2 cents anyways.

saltsy · 04/26/2006, 09:47 PM

Chance of fire is scary enough to make me want to get rid of my tank sometimes. How common are fires?

grendl · 04/26/2006, 10:25 PM

When you say "enclose those connectors", how do you mean?

04/26/2006, 07:34 PM	#1
Capt. Nemo Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,102	Fire As a newbie, I am a bit alarmed to hear that a number of you have expressed a fear of a fire. Could someone please explain what the leading causes of saltwater tank fires are and how they can be prevented. And how serious is this threat and are we talking a major fire which would threaten life and property. Thank you. Gary

04/26/2006, 07:49 PM	#2
szwab RC Mod Join Date: May 2002 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 15,225	I believe the fear is from diy lighting fixtures and the use of VHO endcaps. with care and proper installation IMO most of the risk can be avoided __________________ Mark "I got a fever, and the only prescription, is more cowbell" ~ Christopher Walken Current Tank Info: AGE 240 Flatback Hex

04/26/2006, 08:05 PM	#4
szwab RC Mod Join Date: May 2002 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 15,225	yes do it yourself. and yes you do need to be careful with water and elec. especially salt water since the salt portion makes it very conductive. the use of gfi's can help the safety factor but may trip when the "time is not right" __________________ Mark "I got a fever, and the only prescription, is more cowbell" ~ Christopher Walken Current Tank Info: AGE 240 Flatback Hex

04/26/2006, 08:46 PM	#5
Bebo77 Premium Nonpaying Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Lost Posts: 14,377	make sure you put a drip loop on power cords as well... you dont want water running down a cord into the power strip... __________________ Gabriel Current Tank Info: 300 Gal Envision Tank(98Lx30Wx26T) 120 Gal SoCalCreations Sump, Deltec TC2560, 2 LumenarcsMini 1 Reg on a light mover W Radiums 250& 400, Gallaxy ballasts, Red Dragon 10m3 return W/ 2 WavySeas, 2 6155 Tunze streams

04/26/2006, 10:25 PM	#9
grendl Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Charleston, Wv Posts: 535	When you say "enclose those connectors", how do you mean? __________________ Travis

04/26/2006, 07:56 PM	#3
Capt. Nemo Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 1,102	Do you mean' do it yourself lighting fixtures? And I've heard that water splashing on timers and salt creep could also be causes of fire. Is this true?

04/26/2006, 08:48 PM	#6
Scuba_Dave EMERTXE YID Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Asylum, South of Boston, MA Posts: 10,362	Many sources of fire in a reef tank Very hot lights in a wood canopy - the wood could burn Loose connection - arc - electrical fire - LOTS of electric in a tank setup Water splashing on a bulb - breaks - fire Salt water/salt getting into any electrical connection can cause a short - fire Drip loops are needed for any wires Tank cracks/leaks - into electric - fire Poor equipment - fire My electric is almost 3' away from the tank's drains and yes...I charred my canopy when I 1st set it up

04/26/2006, 09:03 PM	#7
adam_not4u Registered Member Join Date: May 2003 Location: Texas Posts: 332	Very...Very...good points here! Let's be safe out there guys... Kiddin' aside, GFCI's and drip loops are great ideas! Fire prevention with a ded. smoke detector above tank is awesome but besides fire getting shocked sucks.... Ground probes, rubber mats and professional electrical installations are a must. Spend the xtra money and enclose those connections or at least get the silcone filled wire nuts or heat shrink. My 2 cents anyways.

04/26/2006, 09:47 PM	#8
saltsy Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Indiana Posts: 14	Chance of fire is scary enough to make me want to get rid of my tank sometimes. How common are fires?