Drip Loop – What is it and why do you need it?

Once you’re planning to get a sparkling new fish tank, you’re probably aware that you’ll have to purchase a range of essential electrical items along with it. A filtering system, for one, is required regardless of tank size.

Moreover, a heater is crucial if you decide to keep tropical fish. You may also want to place an air pump to ensure that your fish receive adequate oxygen.

Water and electricity do not make good natural allies, and incidents do occur. You may well have noticed the note on the installation booklet for your filtration system or bulb, or maybe you’ve seen it on a blog.

Whenever connecting electrical items near an aquarium, it says to use a drip loop. Well, what exactly is it, and why do you need one?

What is a Drip Loop?

Drip loops are uncomplicated devices that keep water from seeping into power outlets around your fish tank. A drip loop enables an electrical cable to dangle down in a downhill loop before returning to the power outlet.

The drip loop’s concept is basic. Since water may be somewhat heavy, it really flows down. For your power cable, some water that pours out of the aquarium would go right down the wire. Afterward, it will flow into the box in which the socket is inserted, causing a potential disaster. A drip loop prevents this by permitting the wire to dip beneath your plug until ascending right back towards it.

Why do I need a Drip Loop?

Electricity and water are crucial when together. For this reason, it’s critical to have a safety net for accidents. Drip loops can help you out with this.

You’ll need a range of electrical devices to set your aquarium, regardless of what kind of fish you intend to keep. Irrespective of the aquarium size you have, tropical and cold-water fish species require clean water to remain happy and grow. As a result, you should have an effective filtering system.

Tropical fish prefer warm water. With that, you’ll need a heater that works for your tank but no need if you have a water filter with an integrated heater. Once you are in a warmer environment or in an area where summertime is scorching, you may want a cooler to maintain the temperature of the water within allowable limits for your fish.

Furthermore, most tank starting kits contain lights; if not then, you’ll have to purchase a lighting device to view your fishes and nurture natural plants whenever you wish to.

An air pump is a supplementary addition that is extremely useful for species that require a well-oxygenated environment, like goldfish. A little pump, which you must purchase separately, generates air bubbles.

Once the electrical kit is plugged in the socket in the wall from any location adjacent to your aquarium, it’s evident that there is a potential danger.

Several disasters concerning aquariums and electricity occur once water leaks from the tank to the supply voltage. This might lead the power to discharge, possibly hurting your fish or shocking you once you contact the aquarium or the power outlet.

The drip loop is a highly efficient means of guaranteeing the safety and reliability of the electric kits around your aquarium and is suggested by all fish tank manufacturing companies. Now, how do you make a drip loop?

How can I make a Drip Loop, and what do I need?

It is pretty simple to create a drip loop. For instance, you might discover that you already made a drip loop for the electronic systems around your aquarium without even recognizing it.

There seems to be no secret in making a drip loop. Ensure that your electrical wire is long enough to dangle down below your outlet and then back up. If it becomes too short, get an extender to avoid having a straight wireline to the socket.

You can also choose a screw-in model if you want. When it’s in, it’s there to stay. If you want something that won’t create scratches, you can use an acrylic cable clip — both of which can be found at your community hardware shop.

Put a cabling clip beneath your electric socket or plug strip, attach your wire loop in, plus your dripping loop will maintain its shape.

Finally, to ensure that the line remains coiled down, attach a cord clip to the wall directly underneath the outlet and loop the cord through it. The clip is inexpensive, and however, the peace of mind it provides is priceless.

Conclusion – Drip Loop

Understanding that water and electricity do not mix well, you can now safeguard your aquarium, as well as your family’s safety, by installing a drip loop. You may avoid leaky water from flowing down a power cable and then into the power socket in this manner — providing you peace of mind while sleeping.