I'd like to hear an electrician's take on this as I agree with Mike
Using a ground probe without a GFCI is not good
If you do have current in your tank without a ground probe, you will get a shock if you personally create a path to complete the circuit. But during the time you're not doing that, your critters are not bothered by the electricity if isn't a complete circuit
If you use a probe and no GFCI, any stray current will now become a completed circuit and will affect your critters as the water is now energized
And, if the current suddenly becomes much greater and you stick your hand in the water, you'll get a painful or potentially heart-stopping jolt long before the breaker trips
I read a long time ago to only use a probe if you use a GFCI, and I stick to it
And a probe is not a solution to a problem
Repairing or replacing the faulty equipment is the only way to go
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