Shocking heater

[midmichman80]

Hi all, I was rearranging some plants in my 90g and every time I stuck my hand into the water, I could feel a small electrical buzz running into my fingers. I have felt this before in my tanks and thought it was just the salinity of the water that was tingling the cuts on my fingers. I had my girlfriend stick her hand in the tank, and she too felt the shock. It wasn't a big shock and there are fish in the tank, several goldfish atm. So, I went through and unplugged everything that was connected to the tank and found that the heater is putting out this shock. The fish didn't seem to be bothered by it, but I have since turned the heater off. This was a brand new heater, purchased a few months ago when I first go this tank. As I said before, I have felt this in other tanks I have and wondered if there just isn't an electric current running through the tank when the heater is active. The heater is fully submerged in the 10g overflow on the back of the 90g and the box to the heater stated it could be sumbersed. I have had no unexpected fish loss, no fish dying in the tank, but do I turn the heater back on, or go out and buy another one. I am trying to save money, but I guess this is a no brainer, I should buy a new one, that is unless others have had experiences like this. Let me know your input, thanks.

PS I have plants arriving today from aqariumplants.com - a madagasar lace plant, 3 pots of glossostigma, and a bunch of sag subulata. Should be here within the hour, so excited!!!!

[bunker_1]

I do not think that is normal...lol. Do you unplug your heater when you do water changes? I have heard that heaters can go bad when they are out of the water and left on. I would think that your LFS would be familiar with the brand and know if this is something that happens with that heater.

Good to hear that you have not lost any fish. But I would like to know, any third eyes starting to appear??

[joy613]

Go get a different heater. Make sure you at least unplug the one you have before leaving, I don't think it is worth the chance of killing the fish or possibly starting a fire.

[midmichman80]

That is a good thought Bunker. I have the heater in the overflow tank, and that tank loses water fast, so I imagine the heating element may have been exposed when the water level goes down. I am putting 3 gallons in twice a week to keep the pump submerged. I need to find a lid to cover the tank fully with. I haven't performed a water change on this tank yet, it is still in the cycling process, but I think it is near the end, so let the water changes begin. The heater has been unplugged since I discovered the problem, luckily the goldfish are cold water fish and don't need the tank at 80 degrees. I guess it is off to the LFS to get me a new heater, possibly two smaller ones that will fit better in the overflow. Could make for easier access and less problems with water depth. I did get a shock when plugging in the lights this morning though, I accidentally touched the prongs when it was half into the socket. I guess I have a shocking personality, lol.

[bunker_1]

Sounds like you and electricity are not the best of frieands, or maybe a little to close.
Good luck!

[Pure]

The fish didn't seem to be bothered by it,

That is because the fish are not grounded.

[midmichman80]

Yeah, electricity and I have a long past together. So if fish can't feel it, is it still ok to use? The lil shock doesn't bother me when I stick my hand in there. I have yet to pull the heater out of the overflow as I will have to take the hood off and remove the ballast to get to it. It is an odd setup, but is working. I just don't want to spend the $50 for a new heater right now. Poor boy here.

[Whiskers]

the one thing that would concern me the most is if your heater flips out and causes a overload on your wiring and causes a fire at your electrical outlet. if you have it plugged into a overload protected power strip you might be ok unless it fails.

i know what the electrical shock your feeling is like because where i work we have to do pinhole checks on insulated wire and we use a bucket of salty water and a low current. i've stuck my fingers in the water before with small cuts on my hand and,,,, well it sure is a interesting feeling lol.

[midmichman80]

I do have it plugged into a surge protector, but still have it unplugged for now. The temp in the tank is still at 80 degrees. Whiskers, Midland here. Not too many folks from MI in this forum, nice to see someone that is close to me.

[brian1973]

I skimmed thru this so I may have missed something but have you tested the theory when the heater is unplugged? If you can still feel it with the heater unplugged then it isnt the heater. I would say replace the heater, just because the fish arent effected doesnt mean you wont be shocked or worse the next time you stick your hand in it and it has shorted out completely.