Aquarium Setup & Electrical Safety

Setting up an aquarium involves running lights, pumps or other electrical equipment, so it's important to ensure that you follow proper electrical safety protocols to avoid harming yourself or your pets.

  1. Prevention

    • Using common sense and ensuring that all safety warnings on electrical equipment are followed to the letter is the best way to avoid electrical problems when setting up your aquarium.

    Types

    • Depending on whether you have a freshwater or saltwater aquarium, you will need to treat your electrical wiring differently. Saltwater corrodes metal quickly, and if electrical materials are used in saltwater that are not built to resist corrosion, you could end up electrocuting your pets.

    Effects

    • Electrical problems cannot only cause fires, but can also electrocute pets that live inside aquariums or cause tanks to shatter. It is best to set up your aquarium in a room that is less prone to water or fire damage (for example, on a cement floor instead of carpeting) in case an accident does occur.

    Size

    • Always purchase equipment that has been properly sized and fitted for your particular aquarium. For example, purchasing an electric filter that is too small for your aquarium can cause algae and particulate buildup, damaging and potentially shorting out the motor.

    Considerations

    • When running a cord from a wall socket to your aquarium, consider how far away from the wall you place the tank so that any spilled water does not short out the socket. Also consider using tape or plastic pins to hold the cord down to the floor or against the wall, so that you do not accidentally trip on it.