Stray Voltage

[ALowe]

So I had a hang nail that I bit off and got a pretty nice cut on the tip of my index finger. Now every time I put my hand in the tank I get zapped by that finger! It's really bad when my hand is dry and I just put that one finger in. Absolutely no zap unless it's the finger with the cut. Weird right! So I unplugged the majority of my outlets one by one and couldn't narrow it down yet. Added a few new lights to my tank recently but unplugged them all and still getting zapped! All my fish are very healthy as well as corals even new coral additions so I'm a little confused. Only thing that is really pissed is my three rbta's but I just assumed that was because of my salt switch to instant ocean crystals. I guess I'll stop rambling but what do u all think? Anyone have a voltage meter or know where to get one?

 

[Pistol]

It's probably just the salt water stinging your cut, so goes the saying, rub salt in the wound.

 

[ALowe]

It's probably just the salt water stinging your cut, so goes the saying, rub salt in the wound.

That's what I thought at first but the more I do it the more I know that it is some kind of voltage. Getting electrocuted is a very unique sensation.

 

[ALowe]

Another reason why I say this is because I tried dipping my one finger in my nano and nothing.. same with a freshly made bucket of saltwater. Has to be stray voltage

 

[Jesse biocubebeginner]

I have a multi meter you're welcome to. Kinda far away tho. Kind of agree with pistol myself. Your other fingers should get shocked too


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[ALowe]

That's what I thought as well but I figured something to do with going straight into the blood stream might heighten it?... I'm no electrician so I really don't know lol

 

[ALowe]

**new discovery** only get zapped when I stand in a certain area of the floor. Possibly could be picking up a current running through the flooring in that certain spot in the floor?

 

[heath]

there really is something to " stray voltage ", farmers have had issues with for years and a few years ago dogs where being electrocuted when stepping on the metal grates in the sidewalks in Toronto .. google it, it is amazing reading. Personally, I run a ground probe in my tanks..

 

[EricTMah]

You should always be checking for stray voltage.

I have a multi meter here you can use, but bit far from Vaughan.

It's very simple to find when you have a multi meter. I check mine on a regular basis.

Especially when I feel that sensation you're describing. I get that feeling as well in my finger tips usually after I've trimmed my nails or have a small cut on a finger.

For the 5 mins it takes. It's worth checking especially if you're not running the tank off of a gfi outlet.

Canadian tire usually has multi meters on sale for about $15-$20

Sony Xperia Z3

 

[ALowe]

You should always be checking for stray voltage.

I have a multi meter here you can use, but bit far from Vaughan.

It's very simple to find when you have a multi meter. I check mine on a regular basis.

Especially when I feel that sensation you're describing. I get that feeling as well in my finger tips usually after I've trimmed my nails or have a small cut on a finger.

For the 5 mins it takes. It's worth checking especially if you're not running the tank off of a gfi outlet.

Canadian tire usually has multi meters on sale for about $15-$20

Sony Xperia Z3

Thanks Eric! I'll hit canadian tire after work today and check it out.

 

[EricTMah]

Thanks Eric! I'll hit canadian tire after work today and check it out.

If you YouTube stray voltage in aquariums. There's a few videos that will show you how to test. Quite simple

Sony Xperia Z3

 

[scubasteve]

multimeters are cheap even a crappy one will do the trick (maybe not a dollar store one) i get the same thing every time i cut my nails lol. the first time scared the crap outta me but my meter just insures im safe

 

[ALowe]

multimeters are cheap even a crappy one will do the trick (maybe not a dollar store one) i get the same thing every time i cut my nails lol. the first time scared the crap outta me but my meter just insures im safe

Glad this is common. I'll get a meter and test just to insure all is well. No signs of stress from any tank inhabitants(besides rbta) so I'm sure it's all good

 

[reeferkeeper420]

Grounding probes dont always do alot of good, voltage isnt the worry, its current. Grounding probes when added to an aquarium create a current that may not already exist, thatll go right through the fish. Its like when a bird or squirrel are on electrical lines, they dont get shocked. Theres no current unless they some how ground themselves. Thats why you feel it when you reach in, youve just grounded your tank and completed the circuit. A probe is more of a bandaid, a potenially dangerous one for your livestock. If you have pumps creating that much stray voltage, find it, replace it. Dont cover it up. Also if your tank isnt on GFCI id higgly suggest doing that. Either by replacing the outlets or buy gfci powerbars.

 

[heath]

Glad this is common. I'll get a meter and test just to insure all is well. No signs of stress from any tank inhabitants(besides rbta) so I'm sure it's all good

this far more common than you think, its not always your equipment. If the fish ever show signs of stray voltage don't put your hand in the water, you will get a zap...