Electrical Current

[dylang51701]

Today in my tank I got shocked from something. Unplugged everything one by one and thought it was my power head so went out got a new one and still had the shock. I read online to use an electrical measurement thing (dont know exactly what its called) and it read about 35 volts AC. Is that too much? And how can I accurately isolate what is sending that shock through the water.

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

There should be no current going through your tank. The only way is to unplug things one by one.

 

[dylang51701]

There should be no current going through your tank. The only way is to unplug things one by one.

Ok thanks. I heard that the pumps and everything put a small amount of voltage in the water but nothing harmful. I checked the water thus morning and didnt feel a shock so I don't know anymore.

 

[reef_daddy]

There should be no current going through your tank. The only way is to unplug things one by one.

Agreed, you have to check each electrical component one at a time. When you check your heater, make sure you checking it when it’s activating the heater coil.

 

[pdxmonkeyboy]

what can happen with cheap pumps is the wiring connection can start to leak and you get current in your tank. I also don't remember the specifics but you can't just put both leads of a volt meter into a tank and measure the current. One of the leads has to go to ground.

 

[jeffchapok]

You should install a ground probe. They are only $15 and will protect your inhabitants from stray voltages.

 

[dylang51701]

I know how to use a volt meter lol I had it in a ground. Thanks jeffchapok that's probably what I'll do.

 

[dylang51701]

Just bought a ground probe thanks guys.

 

[Idoc]

Just bought a ground probe thanks guys.

The ground probe is just a band aid to hide the problem. You still breed ti resolve the issue before it leaks more and more voltage into the tank. It's dangerous not to...

Even with a grounding probe, it's smart to take it out on a monthly basis and check the water for stray voltage in order to ensure all your equipment is safe.

 

[Idoc]

Another idea... di you have your powerheads connected to a power strip? If so, disconnect the entire power strip and test the water... not just shutting it off.

I had a bad power strip that was somehow the problem for me. Turn off the strip and my voltage was actually higher than turned on with the powerhead running! Unplugged the power strip and my vintage went away. I'm not an electrical guy, so i have no idea why that occurred, but that was the culprit for me.

 

[dylang51701]

Ok thank you I'll check that when I get home today I figured even if I find the problem the ground probe still isnt a good idea.

 

[dylang51701]

isnt a bad idea my bad

 

[dylang51701]

Just checked my power strip and that's the problem. When I came home all of my corals where closed up so I knew I had to figure out. Thank you so much Idoc for the tip really helped.

 

[Cory]

I had the same problem with a power strip. The ground had corroded from saltwater spray and had connected partially the hot and ground. So a ground probe actually was electrifying the tank!