Stray voltage (1 Viewer)

[tmgrash]

My strawberry shortcake started stn from the base a little over a week ago. I tested everything, nothing was wrong, did WC, ran carbon, etc. a couple days ago a few of my other colonies started stn from the base. While testing the water my finger dipped into the tank and I got a little shock! The shock only would happen if I just put my finger tip in, which I never do its usually my full hand and arm. I isolated the stray voltage to my mag return pump, luckly I had some extras laying around. I lost the ssc colony, managed to get it fragged before it completely stn'd though, and I hope the rest stop stn and heal up.
Posted this to help remind people to test for stray voltage if everything is in line yet they are having stn/rtn, or unhealthy corals

 

[NarnyTheGreat]

My K4 did that too... I believe thats what killed one of my octopuses. Got to be careful with this stuff.

 

[Ostentum]

I will try to find the article but I read that a small amount of stray voltage will actually aid in the growth of corals. Not necessarily something I want to experiment with though.

 

[RGH69]

What is the best way to test for stray voltage?

 

[DustinB]

I will try to find the article but I read that a small amount of stray voltage will actually aid in the growth of corals. Not necessarily something I want to experiment with though.

I remember that as well. I believe they tested it with stray DC voltages though, not AC. I think they had build some electrified rack and had zoas on it?

 

[Ostentum]

The one I read was specific to SPS.

 

[RocketSurgeon]

What is the best way to test for stray voltage?

 

[NarnyTheGreat]

http://www.reefs.org/library/aquarium_net/996/996_5.html

 

[DustinB]

The best way to test that I've read is to take your multimeter and set it up to read AC current. Put the ground probe into the round ground hole on the wall plug and put the red probe into the water. If you read any current you have a leak.

You can start unplugging things until you see the current reading drop.

 

[robbyandkristie]

I had a similar experience happen to me. I now have GFCI protection for everything on both my aquariums. Plus if you should have a problem, just unplug everything reset the GFCI and plug one thing in at a time until you find the culprit. Easy troubleshooting.

 

[tmgrash]

Hmm, if it wasnt the stray voltage that killed the coral then I am still at a loss. I have done multiple things to try and rememdy whatever problem I am having so I cant say it was the voltage for sure, but everything is looking better.

Best way to test for stray voltage? Dip your finger in the water