Topic: Stray AC Voltage

[TimP]

So, this morning I happen to have my multimeter in my room and decided for the heck of it that I would check for any stray voltage(s) in my 90 gallon. Much to my surprise the meter was reading between 30-45 Volts AC! So, I grounded the tank with the meter to a ground plug and saw that there wasn't any appreciable amperage behind it, less than 0.0001 Amperes. Does anyone have a similar scenario? I'm not having any problems with my tank or fish whatsoever. The only thing I can think of is that maybe the stray low voltage is from the movement of the trickling water from the filter, similar to how we get a carpet spark.?.?.? So, just in case I took a piece of insulated copper wire and ran it from the ground socket and put the tip of the wire into the tank. This eliminated all stray electricity from the tank!    But I don't like copper in the tank, does anyone know if it is ok or should I try to get some other conductor for the tank end of the wire, stainless steel perhaps?? I would appreciate any help/suggestions so thanks in advance!

[Gerry]

Try and find the source in case your heater or filter is the culprit. Not sure what metal I would put in to earth the tank

[johnl]

Grounding probes are available they are made from titanium and are aquarium safe but I do agree the source of the voltage should be found.

http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=3946

[TimP]

Thank both of you and thanks John for finding that for me! The source of the leak is my viaaqua titanium tube heater (8 months old)! That kinda sucks, but I found what seems to be a really nice heater, professional grade. The one I found is the JBJ 300W True Temp Titanium Heating System. You can see it at:

http://www.jbjlighting.com/prod-true-temp-titanium.html

Does anyone know much about these heaters, or know of any good ones that are shatter proof?

[callen]

Don't know about the heater you posted but we used these and very happy with them.
http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3743+20161&pcatid=20161

[TimP]

Callen, unfortunately that is the one that I have. I owned the same one before with no problems for years with no complaints except for some sort of hard buildup that occurs on the tube which resembles rust. I loved it, but unfortunately my new one is the cause of my stray voltage issue in the tank(which I currently have grounded, leaving no voltage within the tank, but I still can't continue using it just in case). I'm kinda bummed because I really liked that heater! 

[Stormbringer]

if its only 8 months old drop the manufacturer or the retailer an email telling them you got an electric current of it see if they will exchange it

[Gerry]

Must have some warranty

[callen]

Agree, I would contact them and let them know what is happening.   I just spoke to my husband and he remined me we had 8 of them at one time (with our SW set up) with no problems. 

[Gerry]

8 of them  , what was up did you think they were shoes 

[TimP]

Yes, I will be trying to contact the manufacturer this weekend about the heater and hopefully there is something they can do.

[callen]

8 of them  , what was up did you think they were shoes 

Remember we had 2 180 gal tanks with sumps, refugium with a  55 gal deep sand bed, 2 44 gal buckets with premade salt water, 72 gal QT/ frag tank /30 sump, 1 30 gal FW. 

Yes, I will be trying to contact the manufacturer this weekend about the heater and hopefully there is something they can do.

Please keep us posted.   

[TimP]

Well, I just e-mailed the importer for the heater. It was the place to contact for warranty as the warranty card stated. Hopefully it doesn't matter that I never sent in the warranty card, but lets face it who really does. Ha ha. I'll wait and see what they respond with. I'll be sure to let everyone know how well they take care of their customers!

[Gerry]

good luck 

[Stormbringer]

all the best with it mate heres hoping they bend over backwards to please you