Who has a grounding probe in their tank?

[0sprey]

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

[Leah]

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]

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]

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

[Norstar]

A couple of dumb questions.

1. Should you have a probe in both the sump and the aquarium?
2. Can you not make your own ground probe with a piece of insulated copper or aluminum wire?

[fkshiu]

Never used one. Never needed one. If you've got "stray voltage", then fix the equipment that is causing it. Further, a GFCI will save your life, a ground probe will not.

[Doug]

As I posted, why not use both. I would never run with no GFI, but I do on occasion have something run to another plug for whatever reason. In my particular situation, no probe, arc to my forehead, probe in, no problems.

As for fixing the pump, thats all fine and dandy, once you know its screwed and leaking current.

[mike31154]

Originally Posted by Norstar

A couple of dumb questions.

1. Should you have a probe in both the sump and the aquarium?
2. Can you not make your own ground probe with a piece of insulated copper or aluminum wire?

1. Depends on your set up. Technically the water flows continuously between the sump and display, so only one should be required if you decide to install one at all. Once water stops flowing, you've opened the 'circuit' so to speak. But that usually happens during a power outage or when you turn off the return pump so no electricity is present.

2. You can make your own, but insulating it with plastic will defeat the purpose. You'll need to get hold of a non corroding metal such as stainless steel or better yet titanium.

[digital-audiophile]

I found the GFCI at Cdn tire. It was $26. Much easier for a guy like me to hook up than rewiring an outlet