Who has a grounding probe in their tank? - Page 2

0sprey · #1 02-11-2009, 05:41 PM

They complete the circuit- so if there is stray voltage, it flows through your tank. You stay safe, because you can't ground the tank yourself anymore, but the current still flows through the water. It's not as dangerous to fish as it is to humans, but it causes their navigation systems to go berserk. Messes around with the sensory pits in the lateral line, if I recollect correctly.
With a GFI, on the other hand, as soon as leaking electricity is detected, it shuts down the circuit. No damage. Of course, then you have to start testing to figure out which piece of equipment is leaking... which could be a PITA. But still better than taking a risk, IMO.

hillegom · #2 02-11-2009, 10:48 PM

So if you have a GFI, then you do not need a grounding probe?

RnR · #3 02-17-2009, 07:24 PM

Before u buy one buy a voltage stick put just the tip in your water or on the glass even and see if it lights up if it does you need one if it dosent you dont have a ground problem

Johnny Reefer · #4 02-10-2009, 06:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by loveless

Where do you get said grounding probe. And also how is it used. I understand that it is used for stray voltage, but how is it applied/hooked up???

http://www.jlaquatics.com/phpstore/s...oduct_ID=mc-gp

http://oceanaquatics.com/store/produ...ounding-Probe/

digital-audiophile · #5 02-10-2009, 03:20 PM

Easy as pie to hook up. One end is just a plastic probe, like a temp probe, and then plug the other end into an electrical outlet.

lastlight · #6 02-10-2009, 03:36 PM

Does it matter whether it's direct into the wall or into a controller's power bar?

Sushiman · #7 02-10-2009, 04:38 PM

ah you're not a true reef aquariust until you've been electrocuted by your own tank.

Sigh* ah the memories.

digital-audiophile · #8 02-10-2009, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lastlight

Does it matter whether it's direct into the wall or into a controller's power bar?

I would imagine the controller would be just fine, as long as you set that specific outllet to "always on"

Doug · #9 02-10-2009, 06:12 PM

I always run a ground probe and GFI.

If you find my thread where the arc went from my pendant to my forehead, when I had the probe out and was fine with it in, {current leaking from a stream pump}, you will see why, plus some good posts there from electric oriented aquarists.