grounding probes

[kba981]

OK here is the deal my 125 is not doing well.
I checked for voltage I have 35 volts. so i add a grounding probe
then I read it alone can cause major issues.
I have a GFI on the circuit to the tank.
so what should I do?

yes I checked all pumps and cant seem to narrow in down.
hell i have a brand new power head thats giving off 3 volts by itself.

 

[jjk_reef00]

I use a grounding probe, what issues can they cause?
It has got to be better than having voltage in the tank...

 

[KarlBob]

I'm not an expert, but here's what I've heard:

Supposedly, a grounding plug without GFCI is worse than nothing at all. Current that was trapped in the tank suddenly gets a nice path, involving your hand and the grounding plug, and you can get a nasty shock.

With a GFCI, you reduce the risk of getting shocked. When the GFCI notices the flow of electricity to ground, it shuts down, and you don't get shocked.

The consistent recommendation I've seen is to use a grounding plug only on an outlet with GFCI. No GFCI - No grounding plug.

 

[oldtank]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15635533#post15635533 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jjk_reef00
I use a grounding probe, what issues can they cause?
It has got to be better than having voltage in the tank...

Why?

 

[Mike31154]

A link for your reading pleasure. A bit on the technical side, but I reckon most readers will be able to capture the required info regarding grounding probes & GFI devices in relation to our hobby. A further link at the bottom of the link given provides more specific information on grounding probes.

Stray Voltage Considerations

 

[reefergeorge]

35 volts is fine. your lights probably add >10 and there not even in the water.

 

[slapshot]

Here is the deal. What you have in your tank is voltage. Which is the potential for current. When you add a probe or yourself now you have current. Voltage by itself is not bad, but current is. Think of it as a bird on a wire. He can sit there all day and nothing will happen but if he puts one foot on a ground now he is cooked. I drop a probe in when I am working on the tank. That puts me and the tank at the same potential so no current. Otherwise I take it out.

 

[slapshot]

*No current through me, that is*