Warning!! Fire Hazard!

[jbadd99]

Tuesday, I smelled something electrical burning before I went to work. I searched for an hour but wasn't able to locate the source. This morning I woke up to a pitch black tank with no pump going.

All of my equipment runs through a Technical Pro PS-B9 DJ strip. I know lots of people run similar setups. I quickly narrowed down the problem to the fuse - it was still pretty dark inside and I didn't turn on any lights.

I ran to RadioShack and picked up a replacement fuse. When I began to install the fuse, I noticed the area around the fuse holder appeared scorched. A more thorough inspection led to a few heart flutters...

The last picture is the hinge that holds the canopy door on my wooden stand...

alt="" />

alt="" />

alt="" />

alt="" />

alt="" />

 

[genesis]

WOW! That could have been disastrous

 

[joseayes]

How far from your tank (water or salt spray exposure?) that strip is located?

 

[porpoiseaquatics]

I'm getting the impression that the strip was located in you canopy. Probably not the best place for it.

 

[jbadd99]

How far from your tank (water or salt spray exposure?) that strip is located?

8-10 inches? But I also run a glass cover over the water to help reduce evaporation and splashes (I cut down my top off from 2 gallons a day to less than half that when I added covers).

There was no condensation inside the unit and only a light dust on the boards - not sure if it was salt or just dust.

porpoiseaquatics;1001912 wrote: I'm getting the impression that the strip was located in you canopy. Probably not the best place for it.

Except that I almost NEVER close my canopy. Besides, aside from the outside of the stand/canopy where would you put it so that it's unobtrusive? I read numerous articles prior to purchasing one where the users had them placed inside a stand or canopy.

I understand they aren't made for aquarium use (maybe a good business idea?), but it seems like lots of people use them. :confused2:

 

[acroholic]

I remember seeing a waterproof aquarium strip announcement a couple years back on Reefbuilders.

Here it is:

 

[jbadd99]

Thanks Dave, but the draw of the DJ strip was the ease of an on/off switch without unplugging the cord. It makes turning the pump/skimmer/etc off for feeding/cleaning/whatever a breeze.

One day, when I have an area dedicated to fish equipment, this won't be an issue...

 

[wannabeeareefkeeper]

Acroholic;1001920 wrote: I remember seeing a waterproof aquarium strip announcement a couple years back on Reefbuilders.

Here it is: http://reefbuilders.com/2011/04/28/waterproof-powerstrip/">http://reefbuilders.com/2011/04/28/waterproof-powerstrip/</a>[/QUOTE]

Dave: I searched Amazon and there are bad reviews (not UL listed [certified] for U.S.) for the $45.00 units. The 129.00 units have no reviews. I'm wondering if the $45.00 ones are knock offs since the UL listing is not recognized.

Wannabee

 

[acroholic]

WannabeeaReefKeeper;1001945 wrote: Dave: I searched Amazon and there are bad reviews (not UL listed [certified] for U.S.) for the $45.00 units. The 129.00 units have no reviews. I'm wondering if the $45.00 ones are knock offs since the UL listing is not recognized.

Wannabee

I definitely would not buy it if it is not UL listed.

 

[ghbrewer]

Close call. Glad nothing worse happened.

If you decide to replace the DJ strip with something else (other than a controller), you might consider the following:

http://www.shop.mediabaskets.com/Red-Sea-Max-Replacement-Power-Center-Black-RS40268.htm">http://www.shop.mediabaskets.com/Red-Sea-Max-Replacement-Power-Center-Black-RS40268.htm</a>

Shouldn't be too difficult to retrofit into the stand or canopy.

 

[wannabeeareefkeeper]

Acroholic;1001969 wrote: I definitely would not buy it if it is not UL listed.

The reviews were for the lower cost ones I previously mention. The statements about the UL listed was listed under the lower priced item reviews. The high end priced one for $123 had no reviews and no mention of the UL not listed. My personal opinion: stay away from both items as you have stated above.

Wannabee

 

[jbadd99]

ghbrewer;1001972 wrote: Close call. Glad nothing worse happened.

If you decide to replace the DJ strip with something else (other than a controller), you might consider the following:

http://www.shop.mediabaskets.com/Red-Sea-Max-Replacement-Power-Center-Black-RS40268.htm">http://www.shop.mediabaskets.com/Red-Sea-Max-Replacement-Power-Center-Black-RS40268.htm</a>

Shouldn't be too difficult to retrofit into the stand or canopy.[/QUOTE]

I actually considered doing this, but the cost is a bit prohibitive at the moment... looks like I'm gearing up for another house move.