Hi all,

So even though many of you disagree with in a previous post for having a 50gal, please just accept it for now and help me fix a real big problem.

I redid the whole aquarium, put in a dual digital thermometer that was originally made for registering computer temperatures. Runs off of 12V, I have an A/C to 12V DC adapter that I'm running it from. I also added some new substrate (the type that comes in a dried brick, and you soak in water to expand).

I bought an Exo-terra UTH, the Rainforest Medium model. I do have a rheostat to run this from, but that aside, I am not using it yet. The UTH is installed, needless to say, under the tank, on the bottom surface of the glass.

The big problem is when either the UTH or the thermometer is plugged in, there is some kind of electrical leak through the tank. What happens is that when either of these items is plugged in the wall outlet, if I rub the snake's back gently, I can feel a buzzing :eek: . Its not a feeling of a shock, or a jolt type of feeling, its a subtle buzzing feeling. When these items are not plugged in, the buzzing feeling goes away when touching him. I had someone else confirm this 'feeling' too, albeit subtle, it is obvious enough to raise concern.

So I figured my house has a faulty ground. Although, both the thermometer and UTH use a two pronged plug (one bigger and one smaller prong), I figured something was faulty in my house's electrical system. I ran an extension cord all the way from my neighbours place... (separate house all together, not a duplex or anything.. they have their own hydro lines) and the same thing!!!!!

I got my multimeter out, and between ME and the substrate, there is a slight voltage change when first contacting, but nothing obvious after that, although the voltage fluctuates between - and + subtly, and this doesn't happen when nothing is plugged in.

Is this some kind of inductance problem?!??! That would have me acting like a capacitor, and explain an initial voltage change, then nothign subsequent. I mean, the UTH isn't even touching anything other than the bottom of the glass, and glass is an incredible insulator.

Also, since the thermometers run from a 12V adapter.... I don't understand how a 12V utility is causing a problem that can be detected like this. I mean, you can lick your fingers and touch a car batter with both hands and not feel a thing.

what is going on?!?!?!?? none of this adds up!?! Given this happens with an extension cord running from my neighbours place, and with two separate items (individually the thermometer and the UTH) I am so confused and clueless as to how to go about fixing this. Call an electrician... call hydro.?!? what am i going to say... come touch my snake?!? HAH

Please if anyone has any suggestions... SHARE SHARE SHARE!

-Brian