2 Questions; Temp and Tank Voltage

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Christopher Poore

Christopher Poore

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Hello All!

I recently have installed an APEX system and to my surprise my tank is running around 79.6-81.6 consistently throughout the day. Do I need to be concerned about this? I may consider moving the probe to a different location. I also recently switched my heater from the NeoGen to an Ehiem, although the Ehiem is set to 78deg.

Any advice? I'm running a Mixed Reef.


I also just had an electrical contractor test the voltage in my tank. To our surprise it was 24 volt consistently. I attempted to test unplugging and plugging everything in. It doesn't seem as though I have any FAULTY gear, but that 24 volts is just how much is going through the water.

Again, do I need to be concerned about this? Should I install a grounding probe?

Thanks!
 
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prsnlty said:
If there is voltage "in" your water there shouldn't be. 1st check the heater as it is usually the culprit. What kind of heater do you Have? Then all pumps...
Click to expand...

I unplugged my old heater and the voltage dropped, I installed a newer heater and it went back up a few points.
 
Try plugging it into a different socket. I'm wondering if the socket could be causing it. I could be wrong though just guessing
 
ReefBot Lab, Automated Water Tester
Christopher Poore said:
The sockets used are a brand new APEX Energy Bar 8
Click to expand...
You never know.... it could also be the new heater is faulty also. I've purchased a lot of new things in my lifetime weren't in perfect condition. It happens.
 
Deltec
Pretty much every saltwater tank is going to carry some voltage in the water. most people have at least 6 or 8 things plugged in that are going into their saltwater tank. A grounding probe is a must, and I know people that even run two. Even with the grounding probe you will still have a little stray voltage in the tank but nothing like normal. Usually heaters or powerheads are the culprit. As for the temp I would make sure you have a good amount of flow on the surface of your water with some fresh air coming in if you have a canopy. Having a fan pointed at the water either up top or in the sump will help a lot if the temp will not come down with the added surface disturbance. If you don't have a canopy the fan doesn't look too appealing on the main tank but might find a home in the sump. Just make sure its pointed where the water is moving the most. Good luck!

www.aquariumspecialty.com
 
Ok, finally ready to do a little better job answering.
A transformer works because AC (alternating current) creates expanding and contracting magnetic fields. Any time you have a moving magnetic field and a conductor you will generate a voltage.
Because of this, every AC device in your tank will induce voltages since saltwater is a relatively good conductor. Even cords running against the outside of your tank will induce voltages. And yes, even DC pumps will induce a voltage since the motors themselves actually run on variable frequency AC.

Installing a ground probe is an excellent way to get rid of these voltages. Another option is to use titanium sleeved heaters. I always laugh when people tell me they would never use a ground plug but then have these heaters installed.
 
My aquarium swings between 76.6 and 78.1 through out the day. The swing in temp you have is ok but you wouldn't want it to get any hotter. There are some great tips on cooling above.
 
Brew12 said:
Ok, finally ready to do a little better job answering.
A transformer works because AC (alternating current) creates expanding and contracting magnetic fields. Any time you have a moving magnetic field and a conductor you will generate a voltage.
Because of this, every AC device in your tank will induce voltages since saltwater is a relatively good conductor. Even cords running against the outside of your tank will induce voltages. And yes, even DC pumps will induce a voltage since the motors themselves actually run on variable frequency AC.

Installing a ground probe is an excellent way to get rid of these voltages. Another option is to use titanium sleeved heaters. I always laugh when people tell me they would never use a ground plug but then have these heaters installed.
Click to expand...
I have both a ground probe and titanium heater :D
 
Deltec
prsnlty said:
I have both a ground probe and titanium heater :D
Click to expand...
You are set!

I can't prove it, but I really do believe that induced voltages can cause issues with both fish and corals. To them there is no difference between induced voltages and fault voltages. The one thing that does make faulted electrical equipment so dangerous is the toxins that can be released into the water. I wish there was less resistance to using ground probes.
 
Brew12 said:
You are set!

I can't prove it, but I really do believe that induced voltages can cause issues with both fish and corals. To them there is no difference between induced voltages and fault voltages. The one thing that does make faulted electrical equipment so dangerous is the toxins that can be released into the water. I wish there was less resistance to using ground probes.
Click to expand...
I can't see why people resist them either .. a ground probe is only $10-$15. I've been save twice because I had it in use.... glass heater was the culprit each time. I now have a ground probe in all 4 tanks and titanium heaters in each as well. To me, some things are a MUST HAVE!
 
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