Stray voltage?

[drtrash]

can you test tank for stray voltage? How would you know if it is occurring?

 

[Brew12]

can you test tank for stray voltage? How would you know if it is occurring?

Yes, you can.

Use a voltmeter to take a reading with one probe in the water and one in the ground socket of a power receptacle. This will let you know exactly what level of voltage you have in your system.

There are two main types of voltage in our tanks. Fault voltage, or leaked voltage, which is from failed/failing equipment. We also get induced voltages in our tanks. Unless you run a ground probe you will have induced voltage in your system.

Personally, I feel that both fault voltage and induced voltages are bad for our fish. Only fault voltage is harmful to people.

 

[drtrash]

What would be symptoms of stray voltage? Would you feel it?

 

[Brew12]

What would be symptoms of stray voltage? Would you feel it?

If you have fault voltage you can feel it if you are also touching something that is grounded. This can give you a pretty good jolt or just a minor tingle depending on the fault. If it is induced voltage, you will not feel it.

If you have a fault voltage it can also release toxins into your tank. I believe both fault and induced voltages can cause HLLE, especially in Tangs.