What is eating my wires?

[SaltieG]

Hey guys have a question and concern here. I just purchased a new Tunze ATO a couple months ago and it quit working on me tonight. I figured maybe the sensor was dirty so I went to take it out and submerge it in some vinegar and come to find the wires leading to the sensor are chewed up. Something ate the sheathing off the wires and looks like some bare wire is showing. The only thing in my sump is a thick spined urchin and some asterina stars. Surely the stars couldn't scrape that far down but can an urchin actually eat wiring?

 

[Daddi0]

I belong to a group called Bay Area Reefers. A member had almost the same issue 'cause of an urchin
:http://www.bareefers.org/forum/threads/why-has-the-cord-insulation-gone-missing.21242/#post-309047

 

[Punchanello]

I've heard a similar story about urchins.

 

[saf1]

I belong to a group called Bay Area Reefers. A member had almost the same issue 'cause of an urchin
:http://www.bareefers.org/forum/threads/why-has-the-cord-insulation-gone-missing.21242/#post-309047

Totally unrelated Daddi0 - but are any of the guys/gals in the club collecting and using NSW?

@OP - sorry to hear. I have read of some fishing doing that as well with some vendors adding or including a plastic wrap around the cord to help prevent this.

 

[fishy_mcfish]

Totally unrelated Daddi0 - but are any of the guys/gals in the club collecting and using NSW?



I've been collecting and using NSW for about two months now. I live in so cal and collect mine from the scripps area


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[Anemone]

It's the urchin. They have been known to divot acrylic tanks. Strong beaks on those critters.

You could consider enclosing your wires in small diameter PVC (or even plastic tubing) to prevent a repeat.

Kevin

 

[Daddi0]

Totally unrelated Daddi0 - but are any of the guys/gals in the club collecting and using NSW?

I buy NSW at my LFS. It's all I use.

 

[ReefkeeperZ]

definitely the urchin their beaks can actually scrub away the surface of rock, the rubber coating on your wires doesn't stand a chance, if you want to keep the urchin putting the wire inside a protecter would be a great idea (pvc tube etc)

after I wrote this response I read the rest of the posts and realize you have already received this advice: but I'm going to leave it here to show I second what was said above.

 

[Watchm@n]

Hey guys have a question and concern here. I just purchased a new Tunze ATO a couple months ago and it quit working on me tonight. I figured maybe the sensor was dirty so I went to take it out and submerge it in some vinegar and come to find the wires leading to the sensor are chewed up. Something ate the sheathing off the wires and looks like some bare wire is showing. The only thing in my sump is a thick spined urchin and some asterina stars. Surely the stars couldn't scrape that far down but can an urchin actually eat wiring?

I had this problem...
As others have mentioned.. Its definitely the urchin... I had 2 in my tank that I really loved but had to removed then as I didn't wanna get shocked from these guys stripping my powerheads down...
I applied a thick layer of silicone over the bits that were stripped back.

Recently I have found another urchin in my tank.. Hitched a ride in. Wasn't aware he was there... So checking my wires daily now.. So far seems to be ok.

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[Navig8tr]

Tunze actually sells a cable guard for this issue.

https://www.tunze.com/US/en/products/details.html?user_tunzeprod_pi1[prodid]=6040.019