Protein skimmer question

M

mitch24

Guest
I finally decided to throw on my protein skimmer that's been collecting dust for about 5 months :)
Anyway, I bought a pretty good pump with it (cant think of the name), which goes under water...
The thing is, there is a plug attached to it.
Is this safe?!?
I feel uncomfortable sticking part of the plug under water. Plus the pump is pretty big, and it just hangs in the tank. Is it dangerious for the fish?
Thanks in advance :)
 
broomer5

broomer5

Active Member
Hey Mitch,
I'm a tad confused here .... you say you feel uncomfortable sticking part of the plug underwater ? Please describe ... I'm not sure I understand what part you mean.
Any electrical device near or in water should be treated with caution. Even though a powerhead or pump is "designed" for full submersion, a crack or break in the insulated wire or short can create a deadly hazard. Always a good idea to install or have installed GFI ground fault interupt electrical wall sockets ( type like in a bathroom with trip / reset buttons )near any electrical appliances used in or near water.
Just a good safe practice.
Good luck,
Brian
 
M

mitch24

Guest
You just described it :)
The pump is designed to be under water, so part of the wire (about 6 inches) is under the water...
I hate the idea of this, but it doesn't seem like there is any other way.
thanks.
 
M

mitch24

Guest
Wait a second... :)
Can this be a problem?!?!
I always have some moisture and salt on my lights. Sometimes I clean them off, but other times I just leave it alone.
Then again, my lights are only on for about an hour a day when I'm there watching them and feeding them :)
Should I worry about this?
 
M

mitch24

Guest
That's really funny :)
Cause one time I did feel a little shocking sensation when cleaning the tank...
But, I thought it was the salt going into a cut or something :)
I do have glass(or maybe plastic) between the light and the tank, but it doesnt totally protect it...
Some still gets on it. Especially salt :)
It isnt usually wet, but there is a bunch of salt on the bulbs.
I have a power head, but it is connected to my fluval :) So, there are no cords.
But, yes my heater is under water...
however, its at the very surface of the tank, so the cord hardly touches the water at all...
 
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