Regardless of whether it's required by code, it's a bad idea not to use a GFCI on an aquarium - especially a complex aquarium setup. Ground fault incidents in aquariums happen very frequently. Most aquarium devices have no grounding conductor and cannot be effectively bonded. Any tiny pinhole leak in a wire or casing will electrify the water. Happens all the time.
There are more locations then just those where GFCIs are required.
Within 6 ft of sinks, indoor wet locations, outdoors, locker rooms w associated showering facilities, and garages and similar areas where electrical hand tools are used (paraphrased). These are from the 2011 NEC.
If the location does not fall in these categories, then GFCI protection is not required, unless modified by a local amendment.
Not an electrician here just a remodeler . I would spend the extra $12 for piece of mind.I also imagine this would be under a commercial code and require one.
An aquarium in a commercial building could range from a little 5 gallon portable tank to a full blown built in aquarium with a water supply and a drain to the sanitary sewer. The details will certainly impact the code interpretation.
Can you swim in the aquarium? Does it have its own source of water or is it just a tank?
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