Who has a grounding probe in their tank?

loveless · #1 02-10-2009, 01:23 AM

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???

bullit67 · #2 02-10-2009, 02:10 AM

I had one in my old sump befor I got my sump room up and running I went to unplug it from the outlet and it is fused to the outlet I have too figure out why befor I get a new one

tgoeujon · #3 02-10-2009, 02:16 AM

ive got one in my overflow, but i still get tinglies from time to time. might add another just cause electrocution sucks

MikeP · #4 02-10-2009, 02:14 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???

I'm wondering this as well. Also is a GFIC still needed if you have a grounding probe?

mark · #5 02-10-2009, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeP

I'm wondering this as well. Also is a GFIC still needed if you have a grounding probe?

Should have a GFI that way it trips via the ground probe rather then you providing the path.

Trigger Man · #6 02-10-2009, 04:19 AM

I have one in my display, bought it at the local fish store.

0sprey · #7 02-11-2009, 06:45 AM

I use a GFI instead. Otherwise, you're running the risk of zapping your fish.

Leah · #8 02-11-2009, 02:30 PM

I have a question, I have 2 grounding probes and when the electrician was here doing
some work, I asked him about the testing, that is mentioned in the instructions. He had
no idea what it was talking about. So they are still sitting in the closet. Iam also a bit
confused as how they could zap the fish. Do they absorb stray voltage, Iam confused.
Please explain for us dumbies.

0sprey · #9 02-11-2009, 04:41 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 · #10 02-11-2009, 09:48 PM

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