Stray voltage

recess62 · Jan 23, 2017

Not sure where to post this. I decided to check my tank for stray voltage. With everything on I am getting 20v. So I turned off everything. With everything off there is residual voltage in the tank of .5 volts. As I add in the equipment it seem like everything leaks. Even getting leakage from some of the apex proves

I was not sure what to expect. So is a stray voltage of 20v worrisome ?

Brew12 · Jan 23, 2017

recess62 said:
Not sure where to post this. I decided to check my tank for stray voltage. With everything on I am getting 20v. So I turned off everything. With everything off there is residual voltage in the tank of .5 volts. As I add in the equipment it seem like everything leaks. Even getting leakage from some of the apex proves

I was not sure what to expect. So is a stray voltage of 20v worrisome ?

No, in fact it is very normal. You don't necessarily have a "voltage leak" but you are inducing voltages into your tank. The magnetic fields from any electrical equipment cords running in or next to your tank will induce voltage into the tank. This posses no risk the a person.
Have you considered installing a ground probe?

Js.Aqua.Project · Jan 23, 2017

To echo @Brew12 I have noticed occasionally that some voltage has gotten into my tank, while I try to solve it as quick as I can I have not noticed any long-term affects to me or the inhabitants. However, I do feel that if you can feel the voltage with your hand in the water you're constantly making your inhabitants feel that. That shock can make me grumpy, just imagine how the fish and coral feel.

+1 for getting a ground probe if you don't have a device other than a probe putting that voltage in your tank.

Squirrel_reefer · Jan 23, 2017

Brew12 said:
Have you considered installing a ground probe?

+1 salt water has high inductance, normal to see voltage in the tank, consider a grounding probe

recess62 · Jan 23, 2017

I do run a ground probe to a gfi outlet ( I know controversial ). Some of my sps have stn. Trying to narrow down causes. Started while I was on vacation My tank Chems are fine. Looking for other reasons. Thanks a lot

Brew12 · Jan 23, 2017

recess62 said:
I do run a ground probe to a gfi outlet ( I know controversial ).

I don't think this is controversial, this is smart. I think it is controversial to run a ground probe without GFCI.

Are you saying you get 20V with your ground probe installed? If that is the case you have something else going on.

recess62 · Jan 23, 2017

I grounded the multimeter through the ground probe to the outlet.

recess62 · Jan 23, 2017

There is definitely something ticking off my corals. GSP Xenia closed. Green slimmer sliming strands into the water. Starting water changes and GAC

Brew12 · Jan 23, 2017

recess62 said:
I grounded the multimeter through the ground probe to the outlet.

I'm still confused. Did you raise the ground probe out of the water with one meter lead in the water and the other on the probe?

I think water changes and GAC are a great idea. Maybe we can get some more help here. #reefsquad

recess62 · Jan 23, 2017

Yes. Pulled the GP out of the water and basically used it as a jumper to the outlet

Squirrel_reefer · Jan 23, 2017

I dont think that's a good measurement, I'll say this until someone with more expertise can chime in.

With that you are metering the voltage that is going into the grounding plug, not the actual voltage that is residual in the tank, meter that water, not the plug.

Again! I am not an electrician

Brew12 · Jan 23, 2017

recess62 said:
Yes. Pulled the GP out of the water and basically used it as a jumper to the outlet

Great. I think it is safe to say you don't have an electrical problem causing your RTN.

I think you are on the right path with your current plan of action. The title of this thread may keep some of the coral experts away so if you want advice on the RTN you might be best served creating a new thread. Good luck!!!

Brew12 · Jan 23, 2017

Squirrel_reefer said:
I dont think that's a good measurement, I'll say this until someone with more expertise can chime in.

With that you are metering the voltage that is going into the grounding plug, not the actual voltage that is residual in the tank, meter that water, not the plug.

Again! I am not an electrician

The way he did this reading is actually very smart. Not only did he correctly test the tank, but he verified that his grounding probe was functioning correctly, too.

Squirrel_reefer · Jan 23, 2017

Brew12 said:
The way he did this reading is actually very smart. Not only did he correctly test the tank, but he verified that his grounding probe was functioning correctly, too.

Hence all the disclaimers

recess62 · Jan 23, 2017

Ok let me clarify. One of the multimeter probes in water. Second multimeter probe to the dry grounding probe to the wall outlet. The grounding probe was basically used as an extension cord to the outlet. I don't think this will give me an aberrant measurement I will take another measurement with the probe out of the water and the multimeter directly to the outlet

Brew12 · Jan 23, 2017

recess62 said:
Ok let me clarify. One of the multimeter probes in water. Second multimeter probe to the dry grounding probe to the wall outlet. The grounding probe was basically used as an extension cord to the outlet. I don't think this will give me an aberrant measurement I will take another measurement with the probe out of the water and the multimeter directly to the outlet

This was a great way to do it. Quick, easy, and safe.

recess62 · Jan 23, 2017

Thanks all. I will start another thread. I think something got into the tank. Also noticed that I have several dead turbo snails. Time to make some more water