Ground Probes are Bad (?)

125gJoe

125gJoe

2009 VMAX
Jul 6, 2002
3,047
0
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After reading an article about grounding aquariums, it seems it's not a good idea to use a ground probe.... Here's the link - Ground Probes.

I also posted this in the Newbie area, but thought it might be good to share the subject here for more views.

Comments?
 
2 problems with that article

the first is that a tank should have a ground. Otherwise when you stick your hand in there, you become the ground and you get zapped or even electroucted.

secondly, a grounding probe should be used in conjunction with a GFCI outlet. The grounding probe will tell the GFCI if something is leaking electricity. Without the grounding probe you would need to stick your hand in there to create a ground and trip the GFCI.
 
May I say smoke and mirrors? The author is not incorrect, but his solution is to have no, repeat NO, electrical appliances in contact with the water. When you are prepared to gve up all submersible pumps (powerheads and others) and heaters, then you can follow his advice.

If you operate your tank by more common practices, then a grounding probe is a good thing IMHO and IME.

All, repeat ALL, fishtanks should be plugged into GFIs. If these are plug-in type, you need to be sure thay are auto-restart - many units intended for power tools require manual restart, which could be harmful to your tank after a power outage.
 
electricity is 'funny'

I may have to reseach further...

Seems the article I found makes sense, yet other ideas come into play... Hmmmm..
 
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