Stray voltage in mantis tanks

[helipilot]

I'm sure stray voltage is not good for a mantis or any other living thing. I was wondering if anybody knows of any studies done on stray voltage and stomatopods? I recently set up another (?) 12 gal. cube for another mantis and found I had some stray voltage present. I remedied it with a grounding probe. I wonder if this might be one of the "mystery" problems we have.

 

[Pea-brain]

I don't think'd be particularly harmful-though it might impair the mantises senses and be deadly during a molt- but if there is a stray voltage it could be a cracked/broken heater, and if the aquarist doesn't notice and do something near immediately sure death for the stomatopod from the heavy metals leaking.

Dan

 

[DanInSD]

Huh. I'd be more worried about the *source* -- to me it indicates an exposed conductor somewhere in the system. This is a "copper-leaching" time bomb IMO. I would try isolating by removing the grounding probe, and then unplugging one electrical source at a time. I would assume that you will find a single cause.

Stray voltage by itself is not a problem for most creatures except those with acute senses for such things, like sharks/rays. I've heard of large aquaria where rebar embedded in the concrete in the walls was giving off enough of a signal to drive sharks batty.

Dan

 

[helipilot]

Thanks Dan(s) good thoughts. I have been doing lots of reading about this, and there is a lot to read. I'm by no means an electrician, there seems to be many interesting and opposing opinions and variables.

 

[warr40]

i was just wondering....how do u test for stray voltage.....i have one of those digital meters that test amps and voltage