This makes me think. My tank has 4 powerheads, return pump, UV light pump, skimmer pump, and heater. I think the glass casing that covers a UV bulb is another source of electricity in the tanks water. That's nine cords in the water. That's alot of places for seal/electrical failure. If we have an electrian or electrical engineer I think that would make a good topic for a presentation at a club meeting. Bill
Electrical holocaust
- Thread starter billragan
- Start date
firefish2020
New member
Not really the only way you would get a noticeable voltage from your UV is if the inner seal were to breach and saltwater were to come into contact with the bulb and electrical system. This would also likely either trip a circuit or cause a fire.
The stray voltage in a saltwater system would be dependant upon several factors as well. The higher the salinity the more conductive the water would be. Im not sure what the "Safe level" of stray current to most tank animals is but I would bet that certain fish would be effected far more than others like say star fish. My estimate would be that mili volts would be enough to cause trouble in some creatures.
The tingle you are feeling from your lighting fixture is actually quite common, in many metal fixtures if you put your finger into the tank and touch a sharp corner you will receive a small shock. Also if you have a small cut it can feel very powerful but it is extremely low in voltage and amperage and is generally harmless. Unfortunately I don't think we can get a 100% safe AC lighting system to not leak voltage in some way.
BTW don't use your cell phones to close to your tanks if you have electromagnetically sensitive creatures like electric eels, and some sea stars. Some phones when dialing or receiving can leak out 500 miliguas or more (about as much as an old microwave oven).
So careful around those tanks.
BTW guys a saltwater tank is a disaster waiting to happen. You have gallons of highly conductive water with AC electrical devices inside of it. If something fails the whole thing can theoretically go up light a dry Christmas tree. We just need to remain as safe in this hobby as possible. Use GFCIs and circuit breakers, don't use low amperage extension cords, etc... Check your heaters from time to time, check the seals in your UVs (especially turbo twists) and try to minimize any risks and you will have a great tank and less to worry about.
