Definition: A drip loop is a simple insurance policy that is important for to avoid electrical mishaps that could damage your aquarium accessories, and possibly even your fish. Electricity and water do not play well together, and should be kept apart. It is critical that aquarium owners ensure that water cannot get from the tank into the electrical socket.

Because water follows the easiest path to ground, it will drip on anything that comes from an aquarium accessory to a lower location, in this case the wall socket.


The best way to prevent water from flowing directly into the socket is to ensure the wire falls below the socket and then rises back up to enter the socket. This forms a "U" that water cannot follow back up to the socket, causing a short or other electrical mishap. Take care to never leave power strips on the floor. The plug should always rise up a few inches so water cannot flow into the socket.