Ground Probes (How many is enough?)

[VIC]

I always thought that all you needed was one ground probe per aquarium set-up. I need to ask the question is this correct? I have a gr. probe in my sump but not in the refugium or in the main tank. As they are all connected, I thought one probe was enough. Could the excess voltage be stressing my fish? Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Vic

[Hugh]

I have one in my 55g. I imagine that's all you need.

[Ltspd]

As long as it is connected by water it is all the same and only requires 1 probe

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Paul C
The important thing is not to stop questioning.
Einstein

[FishKid]

what, now i need to save up for a grounding probe? is it necessary?

[wgscott]

It is really a good idea to have one. If the siphon breaks or whatever, and your sump becomes isolated, it won't be protected by the probe in the main tank. It is there to protect you more than the fishies.

You can get a titanium wire or bike spoke (insist on titanium) and make one for about a buck.

If you do have more than one ground probe, make sure they are all connected to the same ground, preferably also protect everything with a GFCI. (Yeah, you need that one too, about $10 and since it could save your life -- 95% of electrocutions are ground faults -- a worthwhile investment.)

[CnT]

Hi all,

Sorry but i need to ask, wat the hecks a GFCI???

Titanium probes here cost RM50 ~ USD12... i didnt know u could make ur own?

[Ninong]

Hi CnT, welcome to Reefland! [img]/ubb/biggrin.gif[/img]

GFCI = Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter

It's a device that measures the amperes traveling through a circuit, and quickly opens the circuit if there is a small loss, or ground fault, such as a shock to you or your livestock.

Ninong [img]/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

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Irrational Exuberance!

[Schottman]

What effects on corals and fish would you see if there is stray voltage and you don't have a crounded tank?


Schottman [img]/ubb/spineyes.gif[/img]

[icemark]

I agree, 1 per tank...

<What effects on corals and fish would you see if there is stray voltage

The most common is lateral line or hole in the head disease on fish, and melting of coral softies or lack of growth on SPS.

But the worst part is when you stick your hand in the tank or sump to move or catch something and it shocks your @$$ across the room.

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Play Well

[This message has been edited by icemark (edited 02-14-2001).]

[wgscott]

Originally posted by Schottman:
What effects on corals and fish would you see if there is stray voltage and you don't have a crounded tank?


Schottman [img]/ubb/spineyes.gif[/img]

None, as long as no current flows. But when you put your hand in the tank, and you are standing barefoot in a puddle of salt water on your cement floor, the current will take the path through your arm, heart and legs, and then you will have a complete circuit and possibly a funeral. Hence the GFCI. Now if you have a ground wire (probe), as soon as there is a problem developing, your circuit breaker will pop, alerting you to the problem. This may not happen until you stick your hand in the tank if you don't have a ground probe. So the single most important thing to buy, required by US and Canadian electrical codes for areas where electricity and water might mix (kitchen, bathroom, outdoors, etc), are GFCIs. Also spend $5 on a GFCI wiring tester, because the thing can only save your life if it is wired and working properly.

[CnT]

Thanks Ninong...

Never heard of GFCIs here in KL... will ask around n see...

BTW... i too have 1 per tank in the sump... and i have experienced to jolt... freaky!!! Bo