dying fish consistent problem

ratt889p

I have a complicated digital multimeter and a tiny analog one and a cheap new digital that gives weird high readings, I don't trust it.
I understand how to use one for automotive parts and that's about it.
the good quality one has 2 adjusting dials.
there are 6 settings
30 MΩ 10A
3000
300
30
3
300mV

Then the second dial
DC V
AC V
check
KΩ
DC mA
AC mA

I checked with settings of 3 and AC mA
The other setting AC V doesn't seem right (open circuit)

Using a sears analog tester set at V AC 50 it moves slightly about .2 volts
and about .1 volts in the small tanks.
In a glass of water zero.
Looks like there is measurable current from all electrical items and living creatures.
Some heaters put out too much and lights do too.
Thank you
Terri

rjordan390

I am not familiar with the settings on the first dial but the second dial is more self explanatory. Do you have the instructions with the multimeter. Give me the name and model number and I'll see if I can get the instructions on the net. I think you may have made your connections in error.
I just purchased a multimeter as the old one does not test for ac dc current in milliamps.
This is the way my instructions say to test for current even though they are poor.
It states that when checking unknown current, the red lead always goes into the 10 amp jack and the black lead into the common jack. then the opposite end of the black lead and red leads goes in series with the load. Then you work your way down to the lower amperage until you get a reading. This is done to prevent damage to the multimeter and safety.

Now when I get to milliamps, this is how I make my connections to test the water as per the authors instructions:
Turn off all electrical equipement. Set your multimeter to ac milliamps. Then attach the black lead to the common jack and the other end to a ground, such as the third prong on an extension cord or wall receptical. Attach the red lead to the milliamp jack and the other end to the load (the water). Turn on all electrical equipment and see if you get a reading. If its less then 1 milliamp, then you are ok according to the author but I think that is questionable. For instance; if the meter indicates 0.10 then thats less then 1.0 milliamp provided you are in the proper range.
Now to be sure you are testing correctly, I need to find out what that first dial is about. I cannot say if using that 3 connection is correct unless I see the instructions for your meter.