CalmedByFish Posted April 24, 2021 Share Posted April 24, 2021 (edited) I have a 5 gallon with an in-tank filter. I was working on the tank today, and each time I touched the surface, it felt like the static zap you get when you touch a door knob in winter. After unplugging the filter and heater, one at a time, I realized the filter was letting a bit of electric current into the water. So it's in the trash, and a nano HOB has been ordered. But how are the inhabitants okay? The inhabitants are an African Dwarf Frog, a few endlers, and baby snails. All seem completely fine. Thinking back, I'm pretty sure I've felt that zap several times over multiple months, and never thought about it. I'm surprised. Have you ever heard of animals living in a low electric current and not having ill effects? (Edit: I stuck a little air tube in, so they do have oxygenation until the HOB arrives.) Edited April 24, 2021 by CalmedByFish Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirsten Posted April 24, 2021 Share Posted April 24, 2021 Fascinating! I wonder if the surface of the water formed some kind of Faraday cage such that the interior wasn't affected. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KBOzzie59 Posted April 24, 2021 Share Posted April 24, 2021 (edited) There is no difference in potential in the tank, unless a fish were to find a ground point on the defective filter. Had you of been holding something well grounded with one hand and touched the water you would have gotten more than a "zap". Current would flow through your arms. In that path is your heart... Edited April 24, 2021 by KBOzzie59 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CalmedByFish Posted April 24, 2021 Author Share Posted April 24, 2021 And it is now clear that I have no idea how electricity works. Come again? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KBOzzie59 Posted April 24, 2021 Share Posted April 24, 2021 The fish are not grounded. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KBOzzie59 Posted April 24, 2021 Share Posted April 24, 2021 https://www.homedepot.com/p/Tower-Manufacturing-Corporation-GFCI-5-Outlet-Adapter-30440003/202510243#product-overview 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lefty o Posted April 24, 2021 Share Posted April 24, 2021 a reminder to always turn off heaters, and filters before putting hands in tanks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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