explantion to stray electricity

[sinner]

hi guys,

i've read up a number of treads that frequently ask "why do i get shocked when my hand is submerged into the tank?"

i've done a search and here are the possibility:

Stray voltage, even in small amounts, can cause a number of subtle or dramatic problems in an aquarium.

*HLLD (Head and Lateral Line Erosion Disease) - Anecdotal evidence in aquariums as well as observations of fish in close proximity to hydroelectric dams have indicated that stray voltage could be a possible cause of HLLD in fish.

*Sudden Death of Tank Inhabitants - Many aquarists have tested for voltage leaks in their tanks after experiencing a sudden and otherwise inexplicable loss of fish in their tanks and found that a faulty appliance used in conjunction with their tank was the cause.

*Unusual Behavior of Tank Inhabitants - When continuos strange behavior such as a rapid and jerky swimming pattern or frequent quivering of tank inhabitants is observed, many aquarists have discovered that the cause was stray voltage.

this is a simple way to test if there are any stray electricity in your aqurium:

1.Purchase or borrow a voltage meter. They can generally be found for less than $20 at most automotive parts or hardware store.

2.Turn the selector to "120 AC Voltage".

3.Insert the tip of the black probe into the third or "grounding" hole in an electrical outlet.

4.Insert the metal tip of the red probe into the tank water.

5.Watch the meter needle for any movement. Any needle movement indicates a voltage leak in your system.

now to identify the cause of the voltage leak:

as simple as it may seem one at a time, disconnect each electrical appliance (heaters, pumps, lights, chiller) associated with your tank, retesting for voltage as described above after each unit is disconnected. however in my expirence i find that powerheads are the most frequent cause of voltage leaks.

now to solve the problem:

IMO never try to repair the piece of equipment unless you are expirenced technician otherwise you could be making things worst . try to replace the faulty equipment and test for voltage leak once more in your aquarium.

'Cheers

[ah^siao]

good source of information...

the solution is to make a grounding probe

[Tanzy]

The thing about grounding probes is that they don't solve the problem of leakage. Some wires, probably copper is in contact with the saltwater and that could potentially poison the tank. By earthing the tank, you can aggravate the problem by setting up a circuit.

[sinner]

IMO i think that earthing the tank would be a better and easiler solution in terms of pocketfriendly hehe

[Yellowbelly]

IMO i think that earthing the tank would be a better and easiler solution in terms of pocketfriendly hehe

Now how do you do that ? I don't mind grounding it to my wooden cabinet