voltage tester

[bexi20]

what do you guy use to test voltage in your tank and where can I get one?
Thanks

[JennM]

Multimeter. Home Depot, Harbor Freight, Lowe's etc. Should run ~10 or so.

I have one I lend but I'm a bit of a ways from Norcross.

Jenn

[bexi20]

Thanks Jenn

[flyingarmy]

I always stuck a lightbulb in the water...if it didn't light up I was good!

[bexi20]

I will try to do that, save me from going to get a meter, thanks

Originally Posted by flyingarmy

I always stuck a lightbulb in the water...if it didn't light up I was good!

[flyingarmy]

I was joking...but it's good to check it with a voltmeter or just get a grounding probe and groud it correctly and you'll have no problems.

[bexi20]

I know I'm just messing with you.

Originally Posted by flyingarmy

I was joking...but it's good to check it with a voltmeter or just get a grounding probe and groud it correctly and you'll have no problems.

[gnashty]

Originally Posted by flyingarmy

I always stuck a lightbulb in the water...if it didn't light up I was good!

[bexi20]

one more question, how do I test it? red go in the water black go to metal? this is what I get at Home Depot

http://www.byramlabs.com/product_inf...l%20Multimeter

[ichthyoid]

Put it on the 'A/C' scale (~100 VAC if there is a scale range) and the polarity does not really matter with digital meters, although technically the black should go to ground and the red into the tank. Place the other/black end in the ground lug socket of an electrical outlet to reference to the 'ground' of your electrical service/panel.

What you are looking for is what the magnitude (number) is for the voltage.

FYI- consider using a GFI (also called GFCI) type breaker on any circuit that feeds your tank. If you are not comfortable working with electricity, please consult an electrician, or ask someone on here who is knowledgeable to help you. We DON'T want you or your tank getting fried!

Also- a ground probe in your tank is only safe when used with a GFI (IMO). Ground probes are NOT supposed to be used to dissipate any voltage from a faulty piece of equipment (which is usually a pump/powerhead or heater). JMHO

[ichthyoid]

Black probe into the 'COM' socket, red probe into the 'V' socket. Set the range selector to the 200 RED setting (based on the diagram provided).

[bexi20]

Thanks for the help.
it's read 0.132 is that high?

Originally Posted by ichthyoid

Black probe into the 'COM' socket, red probe into the 'V' socket. Set the range selector to the 200 RED setting (based on the diagram provided).

[ichthyoid]

No, that seems to indicate 0.132 volts (AC), which should be fine (a little is expected), as long as you connected per my instructions (the RED-AC setting).