voltage in tank

roadrashpaul · Aug 12, 2014

Been battling issues with my tank since May. Lost some corals but all fish look great. Last couple days my candy won't open and looked bad. Tested everything and all was in range with nothing out of whack. Notice something knocked over (clowns) and stuck my hand in and got a slight tingle/shock. Googled how to check for voltage in tank and my multi meter read almost 60. I started unplugging things one by one and have it narrowed it down to my main pump. Voltage drops to ~4 when I unplug the pump. What kind of problems does this cause in a tank? I have another pump that I am putting in now. Going to have to get another backup pump.

JOKER · Aug 12, 2014

I have heard of people losing everything to stray voltage. They make a ground probe that is supposed to keep that from happening. A lot of people have gone to dc pumps for this very reason.

6272862829 · Aug 12, 2014

Replace the pump.

aslmx · Aug 12, 2014

Mine was reading 38 volts. Get a ground probe and it will take care of it. Magnetic drive pumps will always put off voltage in the water .

Neptunus · Aug 12, 2014

If it's strong enough u can feel it with your hand in the water then replace the pump immediately

760mason · Aug 12, 2014

Go with a DC pump. Or get a good external pump.

CastAway · Aug 12, 2014

iiluisii said:
Replace the pump.

+1

First, let me say, I use a ground probe. I use it because, who knows, fish and corals may indeed be reacting to something. But, it's the meter and or probe that completes the circuit and creates a measurable potential. Without such, there is no current flow. There's a great article out there on capacitive coupling and stray voltages. Check it out.