Ow!

[tommyd]

Ok. Filled up my brand new 125 and added goldfish to cycle. After running with the light on and filters for a few days, I tested the water to see how hot/ cold it was to determine what to set the heater at. As I reached my finger into the water, I became aware of a burning sensation in my knuckles. It got worse the closer to the surface my fingers were. Eventually I could feel static traveling through my fingers. It seems like the surface of my water is electrically charged somehow? It's a stinging sensation whenever I put my hand in the water, followed my my arm hairs standing up. Bizarre? Or an issue everyone but me has heard about? How do I fix it?

 

[tommyd]

Another thought: could it be ammonia spiking in my tank and I'm just imagining the pain all up and down my arm?

 

[pythonloose]

check your heater, its probably not working properly

 

[Chromobotia]

It's probably your heater leaking a charge into the water. Turn it off and see if it stops.

 

[Redearsunfish]

Probably stray voltage. Happened to me a few times. I think it happens when filters or heaters malfunction somehow.

 

[kevinfleming21]

sounds like your heater's insulation has failed leading to an electrical current running through the water. I would replace the heater.

 

[KnifefishFan]

^^^ +1
when i was changing substrate on my tank, i broke the heater. i felt a weird tingley sensation...

 

[tommyd]

Heater wasn't even in there yet as it's so god dang hot in this room. Could it be the light or the power head? Keep in mind both things were in use before without any problem and the fish don't seem to notice it.

 

[Racersk]

One way to find out, start unplugging things one at a time until the 'charge' goes away..

Goldfish won't care about the stray electrical unless it kills them, other fish, like knifes and bala sharks would be going ballistic!

 

[Chromobotia]

It's probably something that is in the water. Try unpluging the power head and see if the shock is gone.