Acceptable Stray Voltage in Aquarium?

[flyinhippie]

I've read a lot of posts throughout the web and there seems to be conflicting theories of whether to use a ground probe or not. Some believe that every aquarium must have one. It could possibly save you and your animals. Others insist that you absolutely must not put one in as it will create current and while it may save you it could eventually destroy your animals.

I recently bought a multimeter and was determining if there was any stray voltage in my tank. I found that it fluctuates between 0 and 4v at any given time. Mostly around 1v.

It goes down to 0v when i unplug my lights. I tested the reflectors and they are producing around 100v. I have even tripped the GFCI outlet before when cleaning the tank by accidently brushing up against the reflector. (yikes).

My desjardini sailfin tang has a bit of HLLE, but I think it has to do with his diet as I have only recently introduced nori. My yellow tang is fine as well as everyone else. (90G reef photos in profile)

So here's the deal. Do you think 1-4v is enough to cause HLLE and has anyone grounded their reflectors?

In my opinion, any stray voltage could be problematic, but I haven't seen a thread where people have posted what they feel are acceptable levels. Any thoughts?​

 

[jcdeng]

tagging along, interested to know about stray voltage too

 

[philr]

I have gone full circle on this. A ground probe does not remove stray elec from a tank nor does it 'ground' the elec moving it to the earth. Your problem is more likely from an under insulated fixture or wire probably lighting - touching against a wire from the filter or pump or something going into the water. Make certain that you segregate the lighting wires and any wires from the pumps, filters, etc. Also check that all of your elec outlets are properly grounded. It is definitely a signal that your lights seem to be the source of the problem.