Discovering stray voltage in your aquarium can be a shocking experience (pun intended). However, it is a serious problem that can cause significant harm to your tank’s inhabitants and yourself. Despite the importance of routine water testing for fish keeping, there is a lack of attention given to this issue, which can sneak in undetected and damage your equipment.
Your aquarium relies on electrical equipment, such as pumps, filters, and heaters, to maintain stability. Normally, electricity flows safely through waterproof and well-insulated wires. However, faulty devices can cause voltage leakage, leading to problems in your saltwater aquarium. While pure water is not a conductor of electricity, the electrolytes in saltwater make it prone to voltage issues.
Understanding how to detect and test for stray voltage is essential for saltwater aquarium owners. In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to identify and resolve voltage problems in your aquarium. Let’s dive in!
What is stray voltage?
Stray voltage in aquariums is typically caused by electrical equipment used in the tank. Even with high-quality equipment from trusted brands, electrical devices in the aquarium can fail due to reasons like deterioration and malfunctioning. Faulty wiring in aquarium heaters, powerheads, aerators, and pumps that are not appropriately sealed can cause electric aquarium problems. These issues can result in accidentally exposing your fish and corals to high voltage electrical current.
When voltage leakage goes undetected, it can pose significant risks to your fish, corals, and even yourself. The risks of stray voltage include the likelihood of experiencing a brief electric shock if you accidentally touch the water and serious health problems like Head and Lateral Line Erosion for your fish.
Signs of Stray Voltage in Aquarium
Head and Lateral Line Erosion (HLLE)
Head and Lateral Line Erosion, also known as Hole-in-the-Head Disease, is a common disease for both freshwater and saltwater fish. Stray voltage in water has been pointed to as one of the possible causes of HLLE, along with overcrowding and diet.
To identify whether the fish in your aquarium are suffering from HLLE, look for a hollow hole that is indented around the eye area and gradually stretches into a line towards its tail. To address this problem, improve the quality of water, acquire a bigger fish tank if it’s overcrowded, and provide a balanced diet.
Unusual and Strange Behavior
If you notice your finny friends exhibiting unusual or atypical behavior, there are high chances that it is being caused by stray voltage. Fish are creatures that are sensitive to changes in their environment due to specific sensors in their bodies located along their nose and lateral line. A sudden spike of stray electricity in the fish tank can throw off their balance, leading the fish to act maniacally, like quivering, rapid, and jerky swimming.
Death of the Fish
The death of your fish is perhaps the worst that can happen next to unusual behavior from your pets. This can happen when stray voltage is not noticed immediately, and this voltage leak is most likely because of a faulty electrical appliance in the tank. Early stray voltage detection is possible if you make it a habit to check if the devices you are using are still functioning properly and not causing voltage leakage.
What Causes Stray Voltage in Aquariums
Multi-aquariums, saltwater aquariums, and larger aquariums are more prone to stray electricity compared to smaller setups. This is because these setups most likely have an increased number of electric aquarium devices and equipment.
Heaters and water pumps or powerheads are the most common cause of voltage leaks. The kind of water used in the aquarium can trigger high voltages in fish tanks, making it very important to conduct periodic high voltage tank reviews. Saltwater is found to be more conducive to electricity compared to freshwater, but this doesn’t mean that freshwater cannot have a voltage leak.
Equipment to Detect Electricity in Water and Fix Stray Voltage in Aquarium
1. Multimeter or Multi-tester for Stray Voltage Detection
A multimeter or multi-tester can be used to test whether there is an electrical current in the water of your fish tank that can endanger the lives of your beloved aquatic pets. This device is relatively affordable, depending on your local pet store or home depot.
The main job of the multimeter is to measure the voltage in your aquarium water. This stray current tester comes with two probes, each of different color: black and red. To use it, be sure to set the dial to AC Voltage or VAC.
The black probe should be inserted into a grounding hole of an outlet or an extension cord and then stick the red probe’s tip into the aquarium water. If the reading reflected is above zero, then this indicates that you have stray voltage in your water.
When the voltage is already reflected in the device, remember (or label) the wires that belong to that certain device and try to unplug them one by one. This way, you can detect which device is the reason for the voltage spike and causes stray voltage and how high is its voltage when added together with the rest. If the voltage of the aquarium equipment is too high, it could imply that it is malfunctioning.
This can also be done via voltmeter. Voltmeters are also considerably cheaper than the multimeter since the multimeter has a broader range of capacities, but the voltmeter can do the job just as well.
2. Aquarium Grounding Probe for Aquarium Electrical Shocks Prevention
Grounding probes look like a long electrical cord, but the other end appears like the probe of a multimeter. Grounding probes are believed to remove stray voltages from the heaters, pumps, and other electrical equipment you use in your aquarium.
To put it to use, its other end is connected to an outlet or GCFI while the probe side of it is slipped into a suction cup, and this cup will then be attached below the waterline of the fish tank. Grounding probes act as a sensor or alarm that trips the circuit when it catches a stray voltage inside the aquarium. It prevents electric shocks and successfully eliminates stray voltages that can potentially become an electrical hazard.
Preventing Stray Voltage in Your Aquarium
As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure, especially when it comes to electrical safety in your aquarium. Water and electrical equipment can be a dangerous combination, putting both you and your fish at risk of electric shock, and even death. Here are several ways to eliminate stray voltage and promote electrical safety in your aquarium:
- Unplug: Always unplug all electrical equipment before performing maintenance or cleaning routines in your aquarium. This is a basic rule of thumb that cannot be overlooked.
- Replace: All faulty electrical devices used in your fish tank should be replaced with new ones. It may seem tempting to keep using old equipment that still serves its purpose, but the risk of electric shock is not worth it.
- Use power strips: To ensure a safe distance between the wires and the aquarium, use power strips or extension cords, but do not overload them.
- Install GFCIs: Another option is to use Ground-Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs), which are designed to protect against electric shock. These devices monitor electricity and cut off the power if they detect an interruption. If there is no GFCI outlet near your aquarium, consider hiring an electrician to install one.
It may be costly to purchase good quality aquarium equipment, but it is always better to prioritize safety over savings. As a responsible pet owner, you must acknowledge the need to make purchases to provide a healthy environment for your aquatic pets.
To ensure the best possible living conditions for your fish, you must mimic their natural habitat as closely as possible. This includes providing proper air circulation, heating and cooling, and using precautionary devices like stray voltage detectors.
Regular maintenance is also key to maintaining a healthy environment for your fish. Schedule regular intervals to inspect your aquarium and its electrical devices. Remember, prevention is the best way to ensure the safety and well-being of your aquatic pets.
FAQs on Stray Voltage in Aquariums
Is grounding necessary for aquariums? There is still a debate among aquatic pet enthusiasts about whether grounding an aquarium using a grounding probe is necessary. Some argue that it protects people from electric shocks when their hands are in the water. Others disagree, saying that aquatic animals are still vulnerable to stray voltage. While there is no clear consensus among experts, it is best to take preventive measures and avoid putting your hands in the water unless all electrical equipment is turned off.
How many electric devices should be used in an aquarium? The number of electric devices in an aquarium depends on the size of the tank. For small aquariums, it is best to use devices with lower voltage to avoid overwhelming the balance inside the tank. For larger aquariums, it is advisable to use more equipment to sustain the area and the number of inhabitants. Refer to resources such as “All About Fish Tank Weight and Dimension” to determine what is considered a “small” or “large” aquarium.
Preventing Stray Voltage in Aquarium is Crucial for Your Pet’s Safety
Maintaining and monitoring the condition of your aquarium is crucial to ensure a healthy and safe environment for your fish and corals. Through routine check-ups, potential problems can be identified early on, preventing serious complications from occurring.
From selecting the appropriate aquarium heaters and thermometers to installing lights and power strips, starting and maintaining a fish tank can be a challenging task, and it is not a walk in the park. Beginners should familiarize themselves with common aquarium care and fish tank problems to take preventive measures.
Above all, it is the small things that are often ignored that can lead to more significant issues. Stray voltage in an aquarium may appear insignificant, but if left undetected, it can result in electric shocks that can harm and even kill your aquatic pets, posing a severe threat to your safety as well.
