Commercial Aquarium Design - Grounding, etc.

[NSee]

Greetings. Designing and specifying circuits for a large aquarium with various pumps, heat-exhangers, salt mixers, etc. In the pump rooms and aquarium tank room, I have all devices with GFCI protection. This includes all convenience outlets as well as 1 phase and 3 phase motors.

Additionally, I am having all conductive structure bonded back to common ground.

In researching the NEC, I've found nothing that relates to "Aquariums". Of course, there is reference to pools, spa's, fountains, open artificial and natural bodies of water, etc. But nothing that leads me to believe this "specifically" addressed by code. The measures I have designed in I feel would be just good, safe practice.

Any thoughts? Experience?

 

[DRWeig]

NSee,

This aquarium sounds big enough to put on a SCUBA tank and dive into for cleaning and stuff. If so, it qualifies for the same level of protection you'd give a swimming pool.

Sounds like you've done well to me. As to what section of the NEC applies, that'll be up to the AHJ if it's not specifically listed. If I were inspecting, I'd choose "swimming pool" requirements and make you meet 'em.

Let's see if anyone else has actually done a large aquarium?

Good on ya,

Goober Dave