TheClark

1 hour ago, pdxmonkeyboy said:

If your entire circuit was protected by a single GFCI then if it pops.. EVERYTHING on that circuit goes down.  All outlets have to be GFCI protected now so that usually means the FIRST outlet in the circuit is a GFCI and then all the outlets downstream are just regular outlets by if their is a ground fault on ONE of them, then the GFCI (that is on the first outlet pops).

I guess what I don't understand is how you can have "individual GFCI" outlets.   You mean you connected the downstream outlets all to the line side of the GFCI outlet, not the load side.   That would be the only way to do it. 

 

 

 

Thanks for responding, its a relief we are on the same page.  I come hear to learn, easier here than the hard knocks way.  Appreciate those who take the time to discuss and share.

Check this post out below, it explains how, but sadly without the original pics.  

Turned out great!  Nice job on not using the saddle.  It is tempting, we have all been tempted, some more than others!

16 minutes ago, pdxmonkeyboy said:

Having GFCI for everything is a great way to come home to a dead tank.  

Plus when you wire one GFCI in, everything down circuit from the is also protected.  I guess you could wire them individually.   I don't know.  Maybe just get a gold fish bowl and by doge coin with the money you save. 

 

Hmmm, you got me thinking with that comment.

Back in 2015, I added a GFCI per APEX outlet on the DT.  16 of them.  

Here was my thinking:

- If a single component goes bad, only one GFCI trips, everything else keeps running.

Why I did this:

- Many years ago, I used to have a single GFCI for the whole tank.  While at the beach it tripped due to a bad skimmer pump.  My dad came and saved the day.

- If I had a separate GFCI for everything, only the skimmer would have been off.

- This works well for Christmas lights in the rainy NW!

- It was recommended by @Bombertech, remember him?

That was my process at least, in case I am explaining it poorly or don't understand something, quite possible!

So you say that is a good way to come home to a dead tank?  Help me understand, please!  

Here is the old GFCI thread (also 2015, pretty old).  Unfortunately pics did not get transferred to AWS apparently, so no pics.

Here is the (probably outdated) 2015 fire thread:

1 hour ago, Emerald525 said:

Do you have a picture of your set up? I like the idea of a subpanel. Stupid question would it still be tied into the main panel so it will be powered by the generator ? Also this seems a better option than more buddy breakers . I agree more outlets is better. 

I do have a picture of the APEX setup!  Will dig it up, somewhere on the forum.  I did it a bit different with the GFCIs, pics help.  Basically I made outlet boxes, that plug into the apex, with gfci receptacles.

Yes, subpanel would be tied in, and could be powered by the generator or mains.  This assumes you have a spare double pole breaker, sounds like you do.

Electricians to confirm, sharing FWIW

Some random thoughts / opinions.

20 amp AFCIs for sure at the panel.  20 amp gives more power, barely costs more (at least DIY). 

AFCI, I have fire posts on here about it that topic going back many years.

They do have CAFCI (combo GFCI and AFCI in panel), but I wouldn't use it.

Why?

GFCIs nuisance trip.  I run one off of every apex outlet.  If one GFCI trips, the other equipment keeps working.  For example, heaters and return pumps split on GFCIs.

It will cost about 20 bucks per outlet, but well worth it IMO.  You can use the portable GFCIs and run them straight out of the EB8, one per outlet.  Make sure to get the ones that self reset after a power outage.  

Here is an example, but you can probably do better on price.

https://www.amazon.com/GFCI-Inline-Single-Outlet-Cord/dp/B01GSPTUZG/ref=sr_1_8?dchild=1&keywords=gfci+adapter&qid=1620744525&sr=8-8

Don't forget to run a grounding probe, or GFCI will not trip until you put your hand in the tank and ground it.  In DT and in sump.

An AFCI nuisance trip with everything on one circuit will cost ya everything.  So dual circuits are definitely better than a single.

Lastly, if you have a spare 60 amp, consider running a subpanel to that space.  Why?  You could go nuts and have as many outlets as you want.

Cost I suppose will be quite a bit higher, but I love subpanels.  They let you change your mind down the road easier, and there is never enough outlets it seems in any panel.

I bought 5, returned them all.

For me, the purple was too strong for a DT and it made the water look cloudy.

It's a shame because on paper they were looking good!  Perhaps mixed with other lights they could be balanced.

Great idea!

2 tickets for mp40 please!

On 4/3/2021 at 7:04 PM, Emerald525 said:

Do I just rewire it to fit the interlock ?

Doesn't match the interlock?  Shoot!  I was hoping it was a perfect fit.

I am not the best guy for re-wiring 50 amp plugs.  Lots of good info on it out there, but I tend towards prewired because of my limited skills and the risk that goes with it especially in an outdoor environment.

We have a ton of good electricity folks on here, I cannot recall who they are though!

I just bought this one a few weeks ago for the RV 50 amp extension.  Not sure if the ends are right for your purposes but they look right?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002XL2IG8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I hate to say it but... I got mine on amazon!  Cords are super expensive the later it gets into summer as people start camping, so the time is now!!  However, even early in the year, wire is crazy expensive.

Good investment though, getting it further away is a good thing!

2 hours ago, Emerald525 said:

I had not heard of tinkercad. That’s a nice app. Is there one you recommend for designing a fish room ?

Sketchup is decent for a fish room, lots of prebuilt objects like brute cans

Tinkercad is so much easier to use, but at one point the scale was limited.  Maybe that restriction is lifted?

CONGRATS ALL!!  Good stuff!  

I was lucky enough to see some of this in person.  Jim is a reef master!  Awesome looking rock work too!

On 3/22/2021 at 12:26 PM, Emerald525 said:

Do you have one of these ? It really doesn’t take up much space as usually most people have a lot of vertical height. It fits in most closets and depending on your system and how many breaks you take it can be ten years before you need to fill it again!😂

That’s the plan. See how I like this and then go with a bigger system ? You want to help build me a fish room ?  Sirena is looking now to start another seahorse tank. 

I do!  These are the best.

I would totally help, but am completely overcommitted in every aspect of life 😂

This is the way!

For DI, so much easier if you have the space.  Love it.

So cool Cnc took care of everything, its a great LFS to shop for sure.

On 3/17/2021 at 7:28 AM, TheClark said:

2 tickets for paying member please!

I will also send in $20 for 11 more tickets via paypal.

My total is going to be 13 tickets.  Lucky number?

Just wanted to clarify, these 13 tickets are for the generator if we have to choose.  Thanks!

2 tickets for paying member please!

I will also send in $20 for 11 more tickets via paypal.

My total is going to be 13 tickets.  Lucky number?

8 hours ago, Emerald525 said:

True that ! Now I just need to decide what I want to run on the panel. Are you able to run all the circuits on one panel with the transfer switch or is there usually a limit? 

We have an 8500 watt if I remember right.  It runs all 110v circuits.  We leave off for example the heat pumps and the water heater.  Everything else gets turned on!

So basically I turn everything off, start generator, turn on all single pole breakers.  All internet, tv, aquariums are usable at that point.  

Related Trivia Fact:  How to find your kids?  Turn off WiFi.  They come running...

The GenTent is cool and yes hilarious, I use a scrap of siding.  This would be wayyyyyy better.

On 3/15/2021 at 2:46 PM, Emerald525 said:

That’s the plan. I have head lamps all over the place for running when it is darker in the mornings. Thanks for the tip about the list. I did that for the RV and worked well.  It would also be nice to make sure the thing actually works.  I got a little tent for it too so I can keep it well away from the house . CO poisoning is no joke.  Next year I will likely invest in a fancy power station. 

The tent made me laugh. I want to put a fake fire pit and sleeping bag near it with some fake hot dogs and s’mores so my generator can have the full outdoor experience.

Hahahah... but that carbon monixide?  Ruins everything...

48 minutes ago, Emerald525 said:

Thanks . I definitely think like in aquariums you’re always better off with too much power than not enough.  I was going to get the dual propane / gas but it sounds like they burn through propane pretty quickly. 

This thing is heavy but it will be easy enough for me to wheel it from the shop to the plug so it made sense. 

 

Right!  You did the homework.   Everyone's needs are different I suppose but this is similar to our setup here...

Consider having a headlamp ready near it though and do a dry run before it matters.  Sucks to figure it out in the wind and rain and possibly no youtube 😂

19 hours ago, Emerald525 said:

Just an update I’m going to have an electrician install a transfer switch it’s going to cost a little more because I have 2 electrical panels and he will need to relocate some of the circuits to one panel.

The Max cost will be 1500 dollars but worth it to me and a cheaper option than the generac systems. 

This is the generator I’m getting. it had good reviews. 

 

That's a beast, you will love it all that power!  Transfer switch is easy and cost effective.  Yes full auto generator is better but this sure seems like a sensible trade off!

9 hours ago, pdxmonkeyboy said:

I think that on the long list of things for a successful tank, what type of salt is really low on the list. Like near the bottom

 

I am kinda in that same boat.  Been using good old Kent for years.  But hey, I haven't done a water change in years either...so there is that controversial issue too