Shocking cycle

[euromomtx]

I've been doing this for 10 years but obviously without learning too much so I am posting here :
I've been cycling my new quarantine tank. I have some rock in there and some stuff (sponge filter, etc.) from my big tank and also some Fritz Turbo Start, etc. so I figured I had it seeded with good bacteria really well.
Today I reached in to make a minor adjustment and ZAP!
Electric shock.
I figured it must be the heater because it's ancient but no I got zapped again with heater unplugged.
Using this elimination technique I zapped myself a couple more times before I figured out it was my hang on filter.
Of all the stuff I had that was actually the newest piece of equipment - go figure!
Should have plugged in my grounding probe...
Anyway: do you think the electricity killed off my good bacteria?
Is bacteria affected but electric current?

And is there a better way to find out which device is shocking using something other then stick your finger in the tank technique?

 

[jenglish]

killed bacteria... doubtful

A better way to test.... I ask my wife (or I just get the voltmeter out of my toolbox)

 

[WaterKeeper]

:lol:

The good new is the bacteria wear wet suits and will survive.

First off; do you have this tank running off a GFCI? If not, it would be very wise to invest in one. The safe way to check on a stray current is to use a volt ohm meter. You place one lead in the tank and the other to the ground on the wall socket. Then do the plug, unplug thing until the voltage drops. That keeps you from a shocking experience. I should tell you that you may see a small amount of current flow in a tank without a problem. This is caused by induction currents cause by things like lights and motors. That is normal and the amount is very small.

 

[euromomtx]

A better way to test.... I ask my wife (or I just get the voltmeter out of my toolbox) [/B]

Funny!
I know we used to have a voltmeter but my husband killed it by using it on the electric fence - apparently electric fence exceeds voltmeter capabilities.
I will get him a new one for Fathers Day! Two birds with one stone... excellent!

Thanks

 

[euromomtx]

I will get some GFCIs.

 

[EnglishRebel]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15098284#post15098284 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by WaterKeeper
:lol:

The good new is the bacteria wear wet suits and will survive.

First off; do you have this tank running off a GFCI? If not, it would be very wise to invest in one. The safe way to check on a stray current is to use a volt ohm meter. You place one lead in the tank and the other to the ground on the wall socket. Then do the plug, unplug thing until the voltage drops. That keeps you from a shocking experience. I should tell you that you may see a small amount of current flow in a tank without a problem. This is caused by induction currents cause by things like lights and motors. That is normal and the amount is very small.

Tom
I tried that when I was attempting to see if stray current was throwing off my PH probe and it tripped the GFCI. I don't think is should have done that though. Any thoughts?

 

[WaterKeeper]

No it shouldn't do that Alan. You must have something leaking current into the tank. It is never induction currents as the GFCI does not detect those. It has the be a ground fault in the actual appliance or devise. You may want to do the plug, unplug thing yourself as something is amiss.