Jack-the-reefer Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 While I was cleaning today I noticed it get a sharp stinging on one of my fingers where I had a hangnail. I don't get it in any of the other tanks. I started unplugging things and re dipping my finger to test it out. When I unplug the new powerhead, I don't feel it. Do I need to replace the powerhead? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blue Z Reef Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 What power head is it? I use a titanium grounding probe for piece of mind in my tank, they run like $12 or so. I would consider replacing if it is putting out voltage. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack-the-reefer Posted December 22, 2014 Author Share Posted December 22, 2014 I thought it was my wp10. Turns out it was an old heater though. It just kept turning on and off at the perfect times for me to think it was something else. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jorge Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 Replace it. I had a cut on my finger from work and put my hand in the water that's the only time I felt the voltage. Figured out why my tang was acting erratic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pledosophy Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 I started unplugging things and re dipping my finger to test it out. You should probably never do that again. I mean, electricty... water... Be safe man. IME it has always been my heater, except one time when it was my light. I got hurt kinda badly the time it was my light. The voltage meters and grounds just aren't that expensive to fool with it. Glad your O.K. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pontus Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 What power head is it? I use a titanium grounding probe for piece of mind in my tank, they run like $12 or so. I would consider replacing if it is putting out voltage. I recommend against ground probes. A GFCI is a safety device. A ground probe is not and it may increase your risk. If you insist on using one, I would recommend you put it on a switch and turn it off when you have your hands in the water. That way you are protected and you get the supposed advantages of a probe the rest of the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bombertech Posted December 22, 2014 Share Posted December 22, 2014 Anyone checking for stray voltage (via multimeter) during bi-weekly PM's , for instance when you clean your skimmer? Usually, when there is enough stray voltage to feel, the current (amps) differential is enough to trip the GFCI. One option I had discussed previously was building a power breakout panel with independent GFCI outlets for each piece of equipment for those worried about a gfci tripping off their entire system. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ninjabeaver Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 Anyone checking for stray voltage (via multimeter) during bi-weekly PM's , for instance when you clean your skimmer? Usually, when there is enough stray voltage to feel, the current (amps) differential is enough to trip the GFCI. One option I had discussed previously was building a power breakout panel with independent GFCI outlets for each piece of equipment for those worried about a gfci tripping off their entire system.How to check with multimeter...I'm not good with electricity... Last time I tried to check an outlet I blew up my meter... Won't there always be some stray voltage in the water? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bombertech Posted December 23, 2014 Share Posted December 23, 2014 Check AC, from tank water to a ground. The lower round hole on an outlet is an earth ground. You don't want to check amperage, that is what can pop the fuse in a multimeter. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
icepikbiker Posted December 31, 2014 Share Posted December 31, 2014 Anyone checking for stray voltage (via multimeter) during bi-weekly PM's , for instance when you clean your skimmer? Usually, when there is enough stray voltage to feel, the current (amps) differential is enough to trip the GFCI. One option I had discussed previously was building a power breakout panel with independent GFCI outlets for each piece of equipment for those worried about a gfci tripping off their entire system. Link to the breakout panel? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.