Casey's Red Sea S-1000

[Alexander1312]

Things seem to have stabilized. STN has stopped/slowed and the unaffected acros are exploding with growth.

Took out a few colonies and bleached the skeletons. Maybe make some bookshelf decor with them.

One of my favorite growth patterns, Poto golden dragon. Crazy how it grew from a tiny twig starting May 2024. I fragged a couple branches and one is still hanging in there.

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Good news.

Did this encrust over the plug?

 

[CaseyP]

Most potentially devastating incident I've had I'm still kind of in shock over what could have happened.

I was awake Saturday night around midnight and heard a loud pop. No motion detection on security cameras, didn't think much of it. Apex alarm goes off saying Alk is <7 so I go downstairs and smell something burning. Opened up tank cabinet and a big plume of black smoke comes out and I see fire on the controller board, about a square foot big. Ran to the sink to get a cup of water and just doused the whole thing. The battery in my KH Guardian had exploded causing the whole unit to catch fire along with other equipment wires. I talked to the company and they said CR2032 backup battery inside can do that if not replaced regularly. I'm kind of SOL warranty wise because I got it second hand and it's >6 years old. Now gotta spend hundreds on a new tester.

There's black particulates from the smoke all around sump area and the room. Grabbed some Cuprisorb from Neptune in case there's metals that got in the tank and running a lot of carbon. All the livestock looks ok except one dead bimac anthias (4 y/o) the next day, though can't say for sure it's related.

I keep thinking what could have happened if I wasn't awake. The fire could have easily spread to other equipment, then eventually the stand, then the house. Ordered a smoke detector to place above the tank and electronics area. When I think aquarium catastrophe it's usually flood related. Just another risk to mitigate since we're dealing with lots of electricity and water.

 

[Patio]

Crazy. Glad you heard that POP!

 

[spuri87]

Another fear unlocked! So sorry @CaseyP you had to go through this.. but I am so glad that you all are ok!

 

[Coral reefer]

I didn’t realize the kh guardian has a battery. Hope everything pulls through ok. Glad you acted quickly. One of those unlucky but lucky things!

 

[CaseyP]

I didn’t realize the kh guardian has a battery. Hope everything pulls through ok. Glad you acted quickly. One of those unlucky but lucky things!

There's a battery in the screen compartment for time and data backup. Apparently you should replace it every year, though I can't easily find any documentation on that maintenance schedule Company wants $220 for replacement parts with no guarantee it'll fix everything.

I probably won't buy another KH Guardian. Trident I'm not 100% sold on either because I don't care for calcium and mag testing since I use a calcium reactor. Maven who knows when that'll come out and what first gen issues will arise. Aquawiz looks good but damn is it expensive

 

[PizzaOven]

I had no idea CR2032 batteries could spontaneously explode! I guess that's why TSA doesn't allow batteries in checked luggage. Hope your tank is OK...

I had a similar scare recently. A snail covered my ATO sensor, causing an overfill, and getting water onto my power strip causing a massive short. It was totally preventable on my end; I really should have had drip loops and GFCI. Luckily a downstream breaker tripped before a fire could start.

 

[FinalPhaze987]

Its a good thing you were home to hear and mitigate the situation. Im glad it wasn't any worse, but sorry you had to go through all that.

They have deionized water fire extinguishers that are reef safe and rated for electrical fires that you might want to keep on hand. When I looked into automatic DI sprinkler systems for under the stand they were $$$$$.

Of course, the extinguisher would be reliant on you being there.

You can always get one that mounts to the inside of the stand and is heat activated. I havnt found a DI one yet and all the ones ive seen arent reef safe, but If it came down to it and it meant nuking the tank vs nuking the house, I think that decision is easy. Hopefully no one here ever has to make that choice.

 

[Alexander1312]

Most potentially devastating incident I've had I'm still kind of in shock over what could have happened.

I was awake Saturday night around midnight and heard a loud pop. No motion detection on security cameras, didn't think much of it. Apex alarm goes off saying Alk is <7 so I go downstairs and smell something burning. Opened up tank cabinet and a big plume of black smoke comes out and I see fire on the controller board, about a square foot big. Ran to the sink to get a cup of water and just doused the whole thing. The battery in my KH Guardian had exploded causing the whole unit to catch fire along with other equipment wires. I talked to the company and they said CR2032 backup battery inside can do that if not replaced regularly. I'm kind of SOL warranty wise because I got it second hand and it's >6 years old. Now gotta spend hundreds on a new tester.

There's black particulates from the smoke all around sump area and the room. Grabbed some Cuprisorb from Neptune in case there's metals that got in the tank and running a lot of carbon. All the livestock looks ok except one dead bimac anthias (4 y/o) the next day, though can't say for sure it's related.

I keep thinking what could have happened if I wasn't awake. The fire could have easily spread to other equipment, then eventually the stand, then the house. Ordered a smoke detector to place above the tank and electronics area. When I think aquarium catastrophe it's usually flood related. Just another risk to mitigate since we're dealing with lots of electricity and water.

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I am so sorry to read this, a terrible experience. Hopefully, the fallout is manageable. Please let me know if I can help in any way.

Never heard of the device but looks well built. I am using the same batteries for my all my cars aftermarket tire pressure sensors, and it would not be great if they explode suddenly while driving…at least I am NOT driving on the autobahn.

I would also run an ICP to determine if any significant heavy metals above acceptable levels in the water.

 

[CaseyP]

Never heard of the device but looks well built. I am using the same batteries for my all my cars aftermarket tire pressure sensors, and it would not be great if they explode suddenly while driving…at least I am driving on the autobahn.

I would also run an ICP to determine if any significant heavy metals above acceptable levels in the water.

TBH I'm not completely sold on the explanation that the battery spontaneously exploded, though it can and does happen in certain conditions. I suspect something with the device design but I cannot prove it. On the KH Guardian Facebook group with about 3,100 members, I found 5 incidents since 2023 who had the same thing happen.

Did a 25% water change today and sending out ICP tomorrow

 

[Baykes]

Sorry that happened but so glad it wasn’t worse!

If you decide to go another tester route, you could always program your trident to only run alk tests. I’m running a carx as well so that’s what I’ve been doing. ABC reagents lets you purchase just the A reagent as well

 

[Turkeysammich]

I’m not a lawyer but I play one on tv. Lol.
I feel Theres a lawsuit here. Just saying. Poking the bear.

 

[PjFish]

WOW!!So thankful you were around and put out the flames..!! This is a bit concerning since those button/ coin batteries CR2023 are in four of my vehicles key remotes which last a long time.. Another CR2023 my dog wears on her collar which the gps tag uses. Plus another in a blue tooth remote that controls my motorized blinds. Thats just off the top of my head oh maybe in my garage door remotes also..Have several brand new packs in a drawer as well..
So upon a quick look apparently there have been several reports of them spontaneously exploding in use, or just sitting on the shelf still in their original new unopened packaging with expiration dates well into the future..Some people think they short circuit due to faulty wiring causing them to pop and catch fire. These have been mixed brands nothing all reported from the same manufacturer. I didn’t see any regarding aquarium equipment since I don’t have Facebook so these don’t include the ones you mentioned. Others reported fires from these batteries stored in mixed containers along with other batteries but this happens even with regular batteries so please tape ends of all batteries when storing in containers waiting to be recycled!! Also use a fireproof container with secure lid!!
With millions and millions of these types of batteries out there with the low number of reports the odds look pretty low of malfunctioning but not sure of reports in other countries ..But still a chance so will take steps to mitigate any fire dangers. Another decent looking fireproof box to store vehicle key remotes, garage door openers etc in the house. New unopened packs of these batteries stored in the existing battery recycle metal can..New gps location for dog collar that doesn’t use these types of coin batteries hopefully.
@CaseyP curious if your using GFCI outlet and did they pop?
So this brings up installing an AFCI breaker on my fuse panel or combo AFCI/GFCI outlet on the wall near fish tanks replacing GFCI ones.
Arc fault circuit breakers (AFCI) add a protection against arcing shorts, sparks from damaged wires and heat that cause fires. Also could detect some power strip failures. Both these outlets or breakers add a bit more protection when used together.
Many power strips fail because they melt and catch fire before the GFCI breaker sees enough current to trip. AFCIs detect line-to-neutral or line-to-ground arcing. Damaged cords from salt corrosion or ones submerged that start leaking can produce a-lot of heat without tripping a normal GFCI breaker. This heat transfers to the power strips or equipment which can melt them allowing the contacts to loosen building up more heat resulting a non-arcing fault that can creat fires. I think we’ve all felt warm/ hot extension cords or hot power strips while using them in some capacity.. Commercial quality power strips can help to reduce this risk. They have a metal frame with real NEMA 5-15 receptacles instead of soft plastic bodies that hold cheap copper bus strips Their metal frame is grounded and will trip the GFCI plus the UL rated NEMA receptacle will not melt like plastic ones..
Maybe someone can chime in on AFCI’s who use them or provide a better explanation than me if their a good addition in the hobby..

 

[PjFish]

I’m not a lawyer but I play one on tv. Lol.
I feel Theres a lawsuit here. Just saying. Poking the bear.

Against who the KH Guardian company for lack of warnings for a third party battery? Or the battery companies which have no warnings also for the thin metal surrounding the lithium manganese? Was literally thinking the same think when reading all this stuff but never saw any class action suits or recalls from fires. There were large recalls for improper packaging for choking hazards thats about it..

 

[Turkeysammich]

Against who the KH Guardian company for lack of warnings for a third party battery? Or the battery companies which have no warnings also for the thin metal surrounding the lithium manganese? Was literally thinking the same think when reading all this stuff but never saw any class action suits or recalls from fires. There were large recalls for improper packaging for choking hazards thats about it..

Not a lawyer but I’ve been sued for less. I would say something like misuses of a battery module that manufacturer has a known problem with explosions and fire. Something to that extent

 

[Patio]

Aquawiz looks good but damn is it expensive

Without a subscription to reagents could make it cheaper over time? It is a big upfront cost. I keep telling myself to get one... but haven't listened yet.

 

[CaseyP]

Without a subscription to reagents could make it cheaper over time? It is a big upfront cost. I keep telling myself to get one... but haven't listened yet.

Pulled the trigger There was a 10% coupon and no tax at collectorscorals.com so went for it. Now I need to sell a bunch of coral frags to help justify the spending...

 

[Patio]

No more subscription to reagents... I am excited to hear your thoughts after getting some use in.

 

[Alexander1312]

Pulled the trigger There was a 10% coupon and no tax at collectorscorals.com so went for it. Now I need to sell a bunch of coral frags to help justify the spending...

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What a great price and one of the best devices developed in recent years. 849 EUR in Germany, which is almost 1k in USD, so your price is a steal. Not sure where you got the coupon from, but worth pulling the trigger (in line with BAR mission ‘to encourage’).