stupid question

sml41 · 09/06/2008, 10:30 AM

I just tried to rearrange a fallen rock in my salt water tank and got an electric shock , tried again , another one ; this happens on occasion ? everything is plugged into surge protector into the wall ; what am I doing wrong?

jbc123 · 09/06/2008, 10:36 AM

Your heater or powerhead is probably busted and electrifying the water.

This is bad.. very bad.

kinerson · 09/06/2008, 10:44 AM

I have expierenced this as well and would consider buying a titanium ground probe. They sell for around $15, are easy to install, and available from many online vendors. It's not that uncommon to have voltages straying in the water and assuming there is no obvious broken equipment this should solve the problem. My bets are that this is the solution.
Greg

sml41 · 09/06/2008, 10:49 AM

The powerhead is working ; afraid to turn on the main switch to check the heater but will have to

fasteddie99 · 09/06/2008, 11:43 AM

Just a thought, how close is your light to water level? My light sits directly on a screen top on my QT and after a few days it will start to develope moisture from splashing water and salt creep all the way into the wires and thus electricfying the screen and all. I've gotten buzzed a few times so I am making legs for my light to raise it up. Could this be your situation too?

billsreef · 09/06/2008, 11:53 AM

Use a voltmeter to test for stray voltage, it's much safer than using your hand

Attach the black lead to the ground lug of an outlet box, and dip the red lead into the tank water. Now start unplugging equipment one item at a time while watching the meter. When you see a large drop in voltage, the item you just unplugged will be the culprit. Fix or replace the offending item

BTW if your getting enough voltage to shock you, a ground probe is not the answer. At best it might mask the problem, but you'll still have a faulty piece of equipment waiting to bite you. They also will not protect from getting shocked in all instances of faulty equipment.

museumguy · 09/07/2008, 12:03 AM

You need to be very careful about this. I had a heater break in the tank while I was working on it. Got a really nasty shock, thankfully only one hand was in water or I could have been in much worse trouble. Still spent a few days in the hospital. Sadly I failed to develop super powers.

Be careful and good luck.

09/06/2008, 10:30 AM	#1
sml41 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 86	stupid question I just tried to rearrange a fallen rock in my salt water tank and got an electric shock , tried again , another one ; this happens on occasion ? everything is plugged into surge protector into the wall ; what am I doing wrong?

09/06/2008, 11:43 AM	#5
fasteddie99 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Delaware Posts: 1,028	Just a thought, how close is your light to water level? My light sits directly on a screen top on my QT and after a few days it will start to develope moisture from splashing water and salt creep all the way into the wires and thus electricfying the screen and all. I've gotten buzzed a few times so I am making legs for my light to raise it up. Could this be your situation too? __________________ 125 gal LED lighting Super Reef Octopus XP-3000 SSS Current Tank Info: 125

09/06/2008, 11:53 AM	#6
billsreef Moderator 10 & Over Club Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Long Island, NY/North Miami Posts: 36,538	Use a voltmeter to test for stray voltage, it's much safer than using your hand Attach the black lead to the ground lug of an outlet box, and dip the red lead into the tank water. Now start unplugging equipment one item at a time while watching the meter. When you see a large drop in voltage, the item you just unplugged will be the culprit. Fix or replace the offending item BTW if your getting enough voltage to shock you, a ground probe is not the answer. At best it might mask the problem, but you'll still have a faulty piece of equipment waiting to bite you. They also will not protect from getting shocked in all instances of faulty equipment. __________________ Bill "LOL, well I have no brain apparently. " - dc (Debi) Current Tank Info: Far too many tanks according to my wife, LOL.

09/06/2008, 10:36 AM	#2
jbc123 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 177	Your heater or powerhead is probably busted and electrifying the water. This is bad.. very bad.

09/06/2008, 10:44 AM	#3
kinerson Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Maine Posts: 682	I have expierenced this as well and would consider buying a titanium ground probe. They sell for around $15, are easy to install, and available from many online vendors. It's not that uncommon to have voltages straying in the water and assuming there is no obvious broken equipment this should solve the problem. My bets are that this is the solution. Greg

09/06/2008, 10:49 AM	#4
sml41 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 86	The powerhead is working ; afraid to turn on the main switch to check the heater but will have to

09/07/2008, 12:03 AM	#7
museumguy Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: St Louis, MO Posts: 1,089	You need to be very careful about this. I had a heater break in the tank while I was working on it. Got a really nasty shock, thankfully only one hand was in water or I could have been in much worse trouble. Still spent a few days in the hospital. Sadly I failed to develop super powers. Be careful and good luck.