Grounding Probes

[duster]

I bought a titanium grounding probe, but don't like the way it looks protruding into my small tank. The top of it is supposed to be above the water line, and because of the way my hood and filter system is laid out, I couldn't hide it behind LR like my heater and PH. It is supposed to absorb any stray voltage from electrical devices in the tank, which they say can cause certain fish diseases or health problems. Does anybody use one, or recommend using one since I have it? If nobody else uses one, then I'd rather just take mine out.

[Reefland]

Grounding probes are excellent devices to remove stray current from your tank and I recommend them (I've stuck my hand in the water before with stray current).

[Samper]

This is the first time I've ever read anything about a grounding probe. Could someone please fill me in on this? Is it in your oppinoin an essential piece of equipment?

[Reefland]

Essential? No not essential but definitely recommended.

Grounding probes simply prevent stray current from charing throughout the water column. If you have a piece of equipment that is leaking current and you do not have a grounding probe, you will know about it when you stick your hand in the water! Despite that, it is obviously stressful to fish as well who are stuck swimming in it all day.

Grounding probes are very inexpensive and very useful if they are needed, that I why I like to recommend them, just in case.

[Samper]

I shall research that.

Thank you.

[Sueet]

Essential? No not essential but definitely recommended.

Just a question here... I had heard of the grounding probe, but was told it was unnecessary..... if it IS recommended, then I should probably get some, with so many tanks running. My question is, I was looking at them on ebay, and they don't seem very pricey... but I can't tell from the picture, does this thing need to be plugged in? If so, I dunno if I can, I have so many things with plugs already, lol.

[duster]

Sueet,

The grounding probe I have does not plug into an outlet. It is simply a small, single wire with an eyelet (or ring connector) on the end. On a standard household outlet, there is a screw or screws that attach the cover plate. These screws thread into the outlet itself supplying you with a good grounding point, so you simply unscrew one of the screws on your cover plate, slip the probe's ring connector over the screw, and thread the screw back in. The probe is thin and about the length of a pencil, with a suction cup at the top. Keep in mind the top portion of the probe should be above the water line.

[Sueet]

Keep in mind the top portion of the probe should be above the water line.

Hmm... making it an eyesore? I assume this thing must be in the main display tank, not the sump or refug. ? I dunno, I'll have to think about it. Probably will go with it, since I so often have my hands/arms in the tank... and have already had an experience with a leaky (electrical leak) Rio. Thanks for the input!

[MyLittleOcean]

GFI circuits are also highly recommended. I keep my Gr probe in the sump as that is where most of my elec. stuff is.
I dont know if they are necessary but I havent felt any stray voltage since.

[Sueet]

GFI circuits are also highly recommended. I keep my Gr probe in the sump as that is where most of my elec. stuff is.
I dont know if they are necessary but I havent felt any stray voltage since.

Yeah, they're already on GFI's, I ran 2 extra circuits in my basement just for the tanks. I have 2 pumps and 2 small heaters in my sump, and 2 powerheads in the tank..... where would be the best place for the probe? I decided to go ahead and get the probes... mentioned it to my hubby and he practically demanded that I get them, lol..... he says I'm not allowed to become fish food.

[Reefland]

Put them in your sump just to keep them out of view.