Powerhead Shocks

[Lksheppa]

We have an issue with our powerheads. For whatever reason they have begun shocking us and the tank. They have been removed while we try to figure out WHY they are doing that, but so far, it's not just one powerhead, it seems to be all of them. The brand is Hydor. Has anyone dealt with this or does anyone know why it's happening and how we can fix it?

Also, the tank has been without them for a couple of days, will it be okay?

 

[heathlindner25]

Tanks are on a timer when the water stops moving .

 

[Lksheppa]

As in it will likely kill off whatever is in the tank?

 

[mcgyvr]

Saltwater tanks require sufficient water movement to oxygenate the water,etc...
That could be from powerheads/filters/return pumps,etc...
I'd highly suggest getting water movement (if you don't have any other) very soon..

Powerheads (even well known ones) can/do fail.. The only thing protecting you from the wires is a seal (like a caulk).. They do fail and things like vinegar cleaning accelerate that failure possibility..

Throw them in the trash and purchase new.. plain and simple..

And ALL submersible line powered equipment should be protected by a GFCI device (RCD in other countries outside the US)..
That could be done by swapping out the regular outlet with a GFCI one or the breaker for that circuit could be replaced with one or there are even power strips/outlet adapters that you can simply plug into the wall then plug all your equipment into..
Those devices are cheap and can save your life in the future as people can be electrocuted by equipment failures in your tank..

So off to the store for you ASAP

Here is an example of a very simple to use GFCI outlet adapter..
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Tower-Ma...5d3V6n6MgaGbnq6DQMxoCamQQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[tkeracer619]

Most of my old hydors did that. Switched to vortechs because there were no wires going into the water.

 

[kmbyrnes]

Toss 'em.
I bought 6 el cheapos ( Sun Sun, $4 each ) as fillers.
They worked great for about 2 years, then in a period of 2 months, they all developed current leaks. Bye-bye.
Water and electricity don't mix and your life is worth more than any piece of equipment.

 

[Lksheppa]

As it appears, we ruined the hydors. The LFS told us to soak them in vinegar to get any buildup off, so we did...... and they started shocking the tank. I had NO idea! Anyways, I made a dash to a different LFS and got a couple of Sunsun's because the tank has been without wavemakers for a few days now. We do have a return pump, but it wasn't doing enough for me so I was trying to work with the old makers. At some point I intend to get the good kind, but didn't have the money on hand. I would love to upgrade to vortech within the coming months, but hopefully these sunsun's will hold out! Thank you guys for all your help. I feel like a dork, but I am super glad to know what probably aused the old wave makers to fail.

 

[neoh74]

I have found many LFS to be hit and miss with information.As with this forum you will get twelve different answers for one question...and all could be right...The one constant I have found with LFS is they are all trying to sell me something. One LFS I love that is closest to me always thinks that if it isnt his answer it is always wrong, then he throws in I should by his $400 protein skimmer... Research, find what works for you. But everyone here is right, electicity and water dont mix...gfi:eek1:

 

[Lksheppa]

Yeah, I've discovered a couple of different things from different places. We currently have the tank wired to a surge protector, but it's obvious that we need to find alternatives in case anything else shorts out. It was a used tank with used equipment, so it was hard to know exactly what we were getting. Unfortunately, we have had to replace a lot of it... certainly never making this mistake ever again.

 

[nereefpat]

Now, hold on. Cleaning pumps with vinegar is pretty standard practice, and isn't bad advise. Submerged equipment goes bad eventually.

Just use a gfci, and when something causes the gfci to trip, replace that piece of equipment. Usually it's a powerhead or heater.

 

[Lksheppa]

Maybe the power heads were already on their last leg then. Vinegar cleaned the skimmer to make it look like new, so I know it works, but I will invest in a gfci. I do not want anything affecting the tank because I plan on starting a reef that will eventually migrate into a 90 gallon tank. So far we've gotten our tank up and running pretty well despite a few minor setbacks and I can honestly say I've found my hobby. Just want to make sure I don't mess up the good start in this tank

 

[mcgyvr]

Now, hold on. Cleaning pumps with vinegar is pretty standard practice, and isn't bad advise. Submerged equipment goes bad eventually.

It just has some caveats to it though..
Never use full strength for more then a few minutes.. always dilute with water when "soaking" for longer than that..
You never really need to soak more than a few hours even with diluted mixture..

and realize that each time you do it you are causing the electrical seals to weaken/degrade..

 

[j.falk]

It was a used tank with used equipment, so it was hard to know exactly what we were getting. Unfortunately, we have had to replace a lot of it... certainly never making this mistake ever again.

When I worked for a LFS the owner always had a saying when it came to buying used equipment...and this was the reason he didn't sell used items:

"When you buy used, you are usually buying other people's problems."

This is why I always buy brand new equipment for all of my tanks. Unless I'm getting something used from someone I know and trust, then it just isn't worth the risk of not knowing exactly what you are getting.