Shocked while working in tank

[jvr1102]

So I did quite a bit of routine maintanance today. Now when I put my hand in the tank I get a slight shock. I tried unplugging just about everything and it still is occuring. What is the best way to test my components to see which is the faulty item? Without using myself as a test dummy.

 

[Bucksnort]

Use a multi-meter (voltage tester) instead of yourself.

You mentioned you unplugged JUST ABOUT EVERYTHING so that means you did not unplug whatever it was that is leaking voltage into your water. Keep unplugging stuff until you find whatever is leaking. Heaters are common culprits but it could be a powerhead, pump, lights, etc.

Also, its good practice to have your electrical outlets that you tank is plugged into, GFCI protected. If not, replace your outlet or you can buy GFCI protected surge protectors/multi outlet strips. This will not fix your problem but could save your life in the event of the electricity finding a good ground.

 

[capnfritz]

Recommend GFI and grounding probe.

 

[tangtang clown]

Do you have any cuts on you hand or fingers? I noticed that when I have any type of open wound on my hand or fingers (common as I am a nail biter) some times I get a lil tingle. Guess it's time to break out the fluke.

 

[ct103]

You may have more than one leak.

 

[Chris27]

My lights leak voltage, to get a little tingle I have to touch the light fixture and the tank water with the same arm....is that maybe what happened with you?

 

[75gsalt]

On my old JBJ light we had it sitting on the tank with no legs. We also had no tops on the tank. I would get a really big shock if I left them turned on. You couldn't even lay your hand on top. I quickly bought a T-5 setup.

 

[jvr1102]

I do have a little cut on my fingers, my hands are a little beat up from working on the car/ tank etc. Sometimes I get shocked sometimes i don't to the point where I am doubting if I am even getting shocked. I did put in two new hydor powerheads before it started so I am thinking one of those may be the leak device

 

[mikid]

shock

shock

most of the time its from powerheads,but if you had a gfci circut,you would not have that issue and you can find the problem by slowly adding componants until you find the fault......mike

 

[tangtang clown]

Just wanted to let you know that after reading your post, it made me remember being shocked, slightly, when I put an open wound in the tank (pry not the best idea considering these fish and corals come from other parts of the world and who knows what they could be carrying). I decided to see if there is any stray voltage in my tank. I wanted to get a voltmeter from work that reads milli-amps, but did not want to drive across town. I remembered having a fluke voltage detector like this one: http://us.fluke.com/fluke/usen/Electrical-Test-Tools/Electrical-Testers/Fluke-1AC-I.htm?PID=56051

As soon as I got the meter close to the surface of the DT, it lit right up! NO GOOD!!!
I went to the beach and got 25g of SW b/c Saturday is water change day LOL. So when I turned off the flow, I began unplugging power heads, heaters, pumps, oceans motions, and lights until the fluke stopped beeping. Turns out it is my T5 retro setup. All other things plugged in, no voltage! As soon as I plug in the T5s, the meter goes into alarm!
The retro I have is this one: http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1826

Why are the T5's doing this????????

 

[tangtang clown]

Just wanted to let you know that after reading your post, it made me remember being shocked, slightly, when I put an open wound in the tank (pry not the best idea considering these fish and corals come from other parts of the world and who knows what they could be carrying). I decided to see if there is any stray voltage in my tank. I wanted to get a voltmeter from work that reads milli-amps, but did not want to drive across town. I remembered having a fluke voltage detector like this one: http://us.fluke.com/fluke/usen/Electrical-Test-Tools/Electrical-Testers/Fluke-1AC-I.htm?PID=56051
EVERYTHING IS PLUGGED INTO A GFCI OUTLET INSTALLED BY YOURS TRULY!!!
As soon as I got the meter close to the surface of the DT, it lit right up! NO GOOD!!!
I went to the beach and got 25g of SW b/c Saturday is water change day LOL. So when I turned off the flow, I began unplugging power heads, heaters, pumps, oceans motions, and lights until the fluke stopped beeping. Turns out it is my T5 retro setup. All other things plugged in, no voltage! As soon as I plug in the T5s, the meter goes into alarm!
The retro I have is this one: http://www.hellolights.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=1826

Why are the T5's doing this????????

 

[fatdaddy]

So I did quite a bit of routine maintanance today. Now when I put my hand in the tank I get a slight shock. I tried unplugging just about everything and it still is occuring. What is the best way to test my components to see which is the faulty item? Without using myself as a test dummy.

If not grounded, the tank can collect a charge which is enough to give a little shock when you first touch it. You can really chase your tail looking for a leaking voltage.

Once or twice, no big deal, but if it happens all the time, I'd investigate with a volt meter. Try both DC and AC settings and then get a grounding plug.

I've had two powerheads actually leak 110V into a tank. Unfortunately, it's more then an urban legend. Be careful, and consult an electrician to get everything setup correctly if you need to.

Also, if you drop a power head on a hard floor, toss it. It's not worth it.

 

[Dont Ask Me]

I have noticed the same, when i touch even my glass with a cut finger or an open wound i get a slight tingle, but only once can never do it a second time, its almost as if it takes 3 months to build up that amount of static , and as soon as its touched its gone.

If its a regular thing i would be getting a meter to test.