Volt Meter

[MadReefer]

I just picked this up at Harbor Freight, the actual store. If you have the coupon and by any item it is free. So I bought safety glasses for 99 cents.
http://www.harborfreight.com/7-function-digital-multimeter-90899.html

Now if I can figure out how to use it.

 

[MadReefer]

Okay, I tried to use this but get no reading. Do I put both [robes in the water? Do I need to ground one of the probes? If so which?
Any help appreciated.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Is there a battery in the meter? Set the meter to AC volts. Put one of the probes in the water and the other to a good ground. That's it.

 

[Sunny]

If it has a black and red probe, then black goes in ground and red in water. I use a multimeter. I put the black one in the outlet ground.

 

[redfishbluefish]

If it has a black and red probe, then black goes in ground and red in water. I use a multimeter. I put the black one in the outlet ground.

One minor little correction....with AC (alternating current) it doesn't matter which one goes in the tank and which one goes to ground.....red / black....black / red....it doesn't matter.

 

[MadReefer]

The wire don't reach the outlet. Can I use the light fixture itself? It is 3 pronged so has a ground. Or a piece of metal?

 

[redfishbluefish]

Any good ground. If need be, use another piece of wire to reach.

 

[REEFLECTIONS]

or use an extension cord that has a third whole for a ground

 

[MadReefer]

To narrow down a bit I unplugged on of the power strips from the outlet. I placed the red wire in the tank and put the black in the ground. I set the meter to AC200 and it fluctuated between 0 and 1, then stayed at 0. Can I assume the equipment on this strip is not the issue?

 

[REEFLECTIONS]

you can assume that no equip is the issue. there is no stray voltage

 

[MadReefer]

I just unplugged the other power strip and the meter read 25. So I guess this means the equipment on this strip is the issue. This sucks because this strip has my return pump, skimmer pump and pump for my GFO / Carbon reactor. I will have to unplug each one and see what the meter reads.
Thanks for the help.

Edit: It also has the ATO on this strip.

 

[MadReefer]

I plugged each unit in one at a time and unplugged them one at a time. I also used the ground plug in the power strip as it was easier to perform this test.
It seems my pump for the reactors is the culprit. I have unplugged it now but for get to do a DT test after all equipment was plugged back in. Will do that now.

 

[MadReefer]

It appears I have two problems. The reactor pump and my ATO. I have a few pumps for the reactor but guess I am screwed on the ATO. So these are unplugged for now and DT is reading 0 along with sump. I will top off manually until I can replace the ATO.

 

[redfishbluefish]

Mark, I’m curious about your ATO. What electrical components of the ATO are in your sump? I would think it is just a float switch. Whose ATO are you using? Most float switches we use have a low voltage DC current that goes to a relay switch (Although AC120 volt float switches are available, they are considerably more costly).

 

[MadReefer]

Paul, I was confused as well because each time I tested I was getting a different reading. I assume the meter wire were touching other wires and I was not able to see that easily. So I got a heavy duty extension cord and plugged it into the outlet on the other wall. I retested and this time came up with the return being the problem. With everything connected and using the extension cord the meter read 25 something. I unplugged everything on that strip and reconnected. The meter would read 1.5 until the return was plugged in and it went to 25 whatever. I then did a hand test. Stuck my hand in the DT and touched the light with no issues. I then tested the sump and the meter read 1.5 and the DT as well. So I need to get a new return pump. If this doesn't make sense let me know. I am clueless with this stuff just ask Reeflections.

Edit: I forgot to mention that with the ATO pump connected the sump would read 2.0 to 2.2, same with the DT.

 

[MadReefer]

I located an old Mag7 pump. I cleaned it up and used it. The DT and sump read 2.7 on the meter. The arm test also had no shock.
I will need another pump as this is old and needs to be kicked started when stopped.
Also, I assume the only think I can keep from the bad pump is the impeller. As I believe it will fit the mag7 so will keep the it just in case.

Thanks everyone

 

[TanksNStuff]

I was going to say that I'm sorry I just bought a new multimeter for $30... but after reading the whole thread I think I should mention that I'm going to go check my tanks voltage. Bought mine to test my new LEDs and it never crossed my mind to check the tank. Thanks Mark.

PS, glad you found the issue with your stray voltage.

 

[MadReefer]

Thanks George and you're welcome.

I thought it was the heater as its close to 5 years old. I plan to replace it soon just in case.

 

[AcidRayn]

i assume the bad pump is being submerged? if it is, and thats when the problem is, dont toss it,
use it out of water, with tubing attached, for draining or moving water.
the mag pumps pump section are sealed, hence the impellers ride on a magnet,
if the pump is not submerged, then it cannot conduct electricity into the water colum.

how is it being used? submerged?
it

 

[MadReefer]

Yes it was being used submerged in my sump.

I guess I can hang to it. Thanks for the info.