Stray Voltage?
- Thread starter theirr
- Start date
kaotik
Member
check this post:
https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=167281
https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/showthread.php?t=167281
reefnut
Active Member
Stray voltage enters the tank mainly through inductance and leaking equipment. The above posted thread will tell you how to do the testing!!
The best way to minimize any stray voltage is to make sure everything that can be grounded is ground, right down to the light reflectors... but even that sometimes isn't enough... then that takes us into the debate on using grounding probes or not. I say use them... even if you test and measure 0 voltage.
The best way to minimize any stray voltage is to make sure everything that can be grounded is ground, right down to the light reflectors... but even that sometimes isn't enough... then that takes us into the debate on using grounding probes or not. I say use them... even if you test and measure 0 voltage.
reefnut
Active Member
Originally Posted by kaotik
reefnut: can you explain a little of the debate...ive never heard any negatives to using grounding probes.
Some say the stray voltage is no problem because it does not carry a amp load. When you add a ground probe you give a path for the voltage to travel and therefore allow amps to flow through the tank.
IMO it's better to drain the voltage. It also adds extra protection for you and the tank.
how many people actually use grounding probes?
Many people use them. Read up, make your own decision.
T
tizzo
Guest
I use one...always have, and haven't seen any negative effects. That's MY "testimony", LOL...
itchy
Member
I use one now. I kept having ICH issues and couldn't figure out why. I thought maybe there was a stray voltage and to eliminate that potential I put in a grounding probe and no ICH issues since.( knock on wood) I don't know if it indeed did help but I can only come to the conclusion that YES it did. Since I only paid 15 or 20 dollars for a grounding probe it was well worth it.
scubadoo
Active Member
Originally Posted by ReefNut
Some say the stray voltage is no problem because it does not carry a amp load. When you add a ground probe you give a path for the voltage to travel and therefore allow amps to flow through the tank.
IMO it's better to drain the voltage. It also adds extra protection for you and the tank.
how many people actually use grounding probes?
Many people use them. Read up, make your own decision.
I have read about the pros and cons...too many positives (pros) with controlled studies and stray voltage. Others will argue against the use of a probe for the reason reefnut has stated.
liquidonyx
Member
here's a diy question, if you to take some coated wire and attach a eye-let on one end and presuming the metal screw holding on the plate over a wall out-let is grounded, would you have a ground probe?
reefnut
Active Member
I wouldn't bet on that screw being grounded but you could test it with an ohm meter.
The most important thing is being sure what ever you use to put in the water is corrosion resistant. Most probes are titanium rods. fwiw, a BMX Bike Shop may have titanium spokes that can be used.
The most important thing is being sure what ever you use to put in the water is corrosion resistant. Most probes are titanium rods. fwiw, a BMX Bike Shop may have titanium spokes that can be used.
lillibirdy
Member
Why with Tangs inparticular?
dhughesz28
Member
I can support this theory 100%.
My yellow tang had developed HLLE really bad, thought we were going to lose him. I tried everything for months, water changes, improved diet everything that was recommended. So as a last resort, I tested my tank with a multi-meter and found 7 volts in thetank. The tang didn’t get better until I put a ground probe in the tank. Within a week the red color went away, and his fins started to grow back!!! :jumping: :jumping: :jumping:
T
thomas712
Guest
Make your own, its easy. Hardest thing is finding a titanium bike spoke.
bang guy
Moderator
Stray voltage problems are one debate. The other is that GFCI protection may not work when you need it if your tank isn't grounded. GFCI does not detect shorts or overloads, they only detect differences between the Hot & neutral circuits. If the tank is grounded and you have two hands in the tank and break a heater GFCI will trip. If the tank is not grounded you could still receive a lethal shock if you are part of the path from the hot to the neutral.
