Voltage in the Aquarium

[zemuss]

What is the acceptable level of voltage in an Aquarium? I have about 46 to 48 volts leaking into the aquarium. It is coming from all of the equipment which is AC powered. My DC pumps account for 5 volts.

"Z"

 

[phillrodrigo]

That's insane. You definitely have some faulty equipment going in. I had 12 from a light and was shocked by it. I got it down to .5 and then added a grounding probe.

 

[zemuss]

I am checking the voltage with a multi-meter by putting the common (black) into ground of a electric socket and the positive into the water as shown in a video i saw. Is this the correct testing?

I think i read anything under 50 volts is ok but I want to hear from others before I make any drastic changes. This is the Reef Octopus skimmer pump and heater putting out this much voltage. I want to make sure first.

"Z"

 

[zemuss]

more information here: Stray Voltage In The Aquarium | Aquart Aquariums

Seems I need to eliminate the cause as it affects the animals we keep in the tank.

 

[zemuss]

Hey Randy what are your thoughts on this?

 

[zemuss]

Afternoon bump i really need some more input on this?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

Is the outlet a GFCI?

Do you use a grounding probe of any sort?

 

[zemuss]

Outlets are not GFCI and no grounding probes.

I found the issue both of the 200 watt heaters I bought (viaaqua) are faulty. I went back to the finnex 150 i had. I will be buying another finnex for a back up.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I'd definitely also get some portable GFCI type of outlets to protect yourself.

Something like this:

LEX In-Line Portable Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) | Power Distribution Equipment | PowerDistributionOnline.com

 

[zemuss]

I have a power strip hooked up but a GFCI will be good to have installed.

Right now i have no stray voltage and will pick up another finnex unit soon.

 

[mainereefer]

glad you found the issue...

imo-never use a ground probe (if you like your fish/coral anyway) with stray voltage you get shocked because you complete the circut, with a ground probe circut is completed safer for you but fish and coral are getting the shock you are worried about and for them it is constant.....

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

glad you found the issue...

imo-never use a ground probe (if you like your fish/coral anyway) with stray voltage you get shocked because you complete the circut, with a ground probe circut is completed safer for you but fish and coral are getting the shock you are worried about and for them it is constant.....

If it is on a GFCI, it wouldn't be constant.

 

[mainereefer]

I guess it Depends on if the breaker pops or not...

 

[zemuss]

I will be adding a GFCI soon but also will not buy a viaAqua heater again. I will stay with Finnex.

 

[Preyou]

I have personally seen two instances where ungrounded stray voltage caused birdsnest coral to completely loose all of it's tissue.

If you are going to use a ground probe, you MUST HAVE a properly grounded GFCI circuit powering your aquarium.

I have taken steps to replace nearly all of my equipment with DC equipment. The only thing that I have been unable to replace is my heater.

 

[zemuss]

Preyou I am like you. I only have two pieces of equipment now that are AC powered. If they made a dc heater i would purchase that.

 

[scardall]

Curious, I see you live in florida. If you live south of central florida, why do you use a heater??? I live in Cocoa and Have Never used a heater. In fact I use a chiller (led lighting) and it is set for 77 degress. I have a couple of idea's that should satisfy all ( people and tank inhabinents) For us: Where shoes or have a rubber matt to stand on. There is one other methoed: Play russian rulette, as I do. Now I do have a groundind probe on one of my tanks. I did have a power head have an electrical leak, plus heaters (when I was much younger). Good Luck

 

[Outlaw]

If you have a tank and sump system, would you need a separate grounding probe for each?

 

[scardall]

You would only use One probe for all. Think about it this way. Water conducts electricity. oh yea saltwater even more so. I know, Ohh g#$ Da%^&*it. :cry:

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

If you have a tank and sump system, would you need a separate grounding probe for each?

That depends. I have both since the water may not make a connection between the two in an emergency situation. But it does run some risk (at least theoretical) of a steady current flowing in one ground probe and out the other, depending on how the two grounds are connected (or not). Mine are connected at the electrical box.