STN and voltage leak

[sowellj]

As the title says, I've got some undiagnosed STN I am dealing w/at the moment. None of the usual suspects jumps out at me as a cause. I do have some voltage leak, that is cumulative in nature. That is, it is not caused by one single piece of equipment. All outlets are run through a GFI, but the tank is not grounded.

I don't think that this is the cause of the STN, but would like to hear some thoughts. Since the tank is not grounded, it is merely sitting at a potential difference relative to ground. Consequently, the inhabitants are not aware of the voltage leak. This is analagous to me not being able to feel the voltage tingle unless I am barefoot (providing a path for the voltage to return to ground). My corals were doing very well (strong growth and improved coloration) for a period of a month or so, then took a turn for the worse. I would think that if the voltage leak were the cause, they would have immediately shown signs of tissue necrosis, as opposed to going through a period of improvement.

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Atomikk]

Check for possible low N or P values.

 

[LifeAquatic]

I always hear people talk about stray voltage as a possibility to harm the tank inhabitants. Ive never understood this I guess. Im not sure Voltage can really do anything as it is only the potential to release energy. Stray current would probably be a better term cause that would fry some stuff. Just like a bird sitting on a power line the 1000's of volts do nothing. If that bird makes a circut with another wire the current passes through him... instant death. So maybe its better not to ground the tank if you suspect stray voltage. Wouldnt that make a circut and fry everything? I dunno.

 

[sowellj]

I always hear people talk about stray voltage as a possibility to harm the tank inhabitants. Ive never understood this I guess. Im not sure Voltage can really do anything as it is only the potential to release energy. Stray current would probably be a better term cause that would fry some stuff. Just like a bird sitting on a power line the 1000's of volts do nothing. If that bird makes a circut with another wire the current passes through him... instant death. So maybe its better not to ground the tank if you suspect stray voltage. Wouldnt that make a circut and fry everything? I dunno.

Those were my thoughts as well. I did not ground the tank as that would give a path for current. I could then see animals and corals being affected.

Atomikk - Nitrates are ~1-2ppm. Phosphates not detectable. Elos test kits. The tank is new ~six months. Could be that it is just not mature enough. It is also a zeo tank. My potassium was on the low side and I am bringing it up, though the test kit is a bear to read.