Bit worried...

[scotlanddoug]

Hi there,

I'm just wondering if anybody can give me some advice about a problem I've been having over the last couple of months.

Basically, every so often I was getting a slight electric shock from my aquarium. I was only noticing it on a little cut on my hand unless I concentrated and it seemed to come and go. It's been there most of the time though recently, and I'm a bit worried that it might mean there's something seriously wrong, or that I might end up electrocuting myself.

I think I've narrowed it down to being one of the components on one extension lead. On it, there's the light, a pump and a powerhead. I thought it was the powerhead at first since I didn't think it was working but when I took it out I still seemed to get a little shock. The only thing I can think of now is the light, but is that possible? I took the light out of the sockets and cleaned it (there was a little salt built up on it) but when I connected it back up I think the shock was there. It's been so long now though, that I'm even beginning to think I'm maybe imagining it...maybe it was the pump after all but I'm imagining the shocks...

So, does anyone have any advice of how to stop this problem? First of all, how to find out if there really is any electricity leaking into the tank or if I'm really imagining it. I have a multimeter but apparently didn't pay enough attention in physics class , so which option should I choose and what would be an abnormal reading? The options on it are;
V~ - 200/600
V-200m/2000m/20/200/600
A: 200mu/2000mu/20m/200m
Ohm: 200/2000/20K/200K/2000K

I have the connectors in the V Ohm mA and Com connectors.

Secondly, if there is in fact electricity coming into the tank from somewhere what would be the best thing to do about it, bearing in mind that I've already unplugged everything individually about 20 times to try and work it out - it's a problem that it's not constantly there.

I don't think I'm likely to injure myself because I have two ground fault interruprors on the plugs, and the house fuses would blow before I would, but it's starting to drive me crazy so thanks for your help

Doug
(hope this message was comprehensible...)

[Tasher80]

Are you sure that your an not feeling the salt hit your cuts. I get a suprise when I have a cut on my hand when I stick it in the tank. Its not any type of voltage in my case though.

[yousuredo]

they sell a grounding probe for tanks (better safe than sorry) still need to figure out what is causing the problem

[scotlanddoug]

Yeah, I thought it might be salt hitting the cut, but it doesn't happen when I put my hand in the bucket where I'm getting new water ready or with the power off...although that's why I'm wondering if I could be imagining it so need to find out somehow...

Doug

[tims]

i would get a grounding probe and that should take care of it.. it could come from everything or just one thing.. over time it will effect your corals and fish

[Doug1]

Whats the voltage there where you are? You need to select V in the proper range take the black lead and go to earth, then put the red lead in the water and see if you get a reading. If you do then start eliminating one item at a time till you see a measurable difference.
What type lights are you using, if they are flourescent type is the reflector grounded?
I have gotten the "tingle" from leaning elbow against a shop light reflector while my hands in the water before.
Hopefully one of the resident electricians will pipe up and cover this in greater detail,
Be Careful Salt water and electricity is a deadly combination, be safe