Do you use a ground probe and why?

Thanks for clearing that up.

I'd like to know if that's true in laymens terms.

 

Yeah im probably most certainly wrong but Im trying to understand how a ground probe would work. Talking about this kind of stuff always makes me afraid to put my hands in the tank. Ive never felt anything before but I dont want to ever feel it tho either cuz 1 time could be the last time. I always use rubber gloves if my hands r in the tank and i dont think rubber is a conductor but I could be wrong

 

Ok never mind I believe I have found my answers on how one works so I will be getting one of these for sure.

 

Since some requested a laymen's terms outline, here goes.

A GFCI is an electronic device (either embedded in a receptacle or a breaker) that compares the inbound current consumed by a device to outbound current. In a perfect world, an imbalance expresses a fault, or short circuit. When there's a difference in current of 4-6 mA (milliamps), the GFCI interrupts, or opens, or stops the circuit. The thing about a short circuit or ground fault that makes it creates a situation where there's an abundance of current, paired with a distinct shortage of resistance. This makes for a LOT of amperage with no mechanism in place to stop it.

That's where the GFCI comes in. The NEC (National Electrical Code) requires GFCIs around water, such as for all countertop kitchen receptacles, all bathroom receptacles, and any outdoor receptacles. That's a good thing. This is why GFCIs are valuable to saltwater aquarists. Since saltwater is a good conductor of electricity, the GFCI is standard equipment for those saltwater enthusiasts with a fear of death.



The ground probe is a different animal. It collects and disperses any existing current to ground.

Used in conjunction, these devices save lives. There are those who claim to never use them--but don't let the fact that they're still alive deter you. If conditions are right, and you're not protected by one; well--'nuff said.

 

A GFCI does not prevent stray voltage from being in the aquarium. Long story short, If you have stray voltage and touch the water and anything metal or connected to ground, you will feel it. Mine used to tingle when I would change my filter fiber, that I stuff in the top of my overflow, which is directly under my light. I noticed when my hand was connected to the water and I bumped the metal frame of the light it felt funny.;D I then tested it with a volt meter and it measured about 15 volts of stray current. Once the ground probe installed, it obviously went to zero.. I guess to each is own, in how you want to explain it, but I did feel it.

 

a grounding probe is not necessary if you run the three prong submersed pump. it already is grounded via the power cord and this is an alternative to the ground probe. If your return pump is outside the sump then you will need a probe. Also in most three pronged outlets in the US the common and ground are shorted together. So the only way stray voltage can harm your tank is by not having it on a GFI. People add the probe as extra precaution.

 

Newer homes are required to have GFCI outlets. It's the type of plug in that has the reset buttons on them incase they get overloaded.
GFCIs Fact Sheet

 

Don't mean to make waves here, but your response if full of inaccuracies. A 3 prong receptacle is no alternative to a ground probe. Ground faults manifest themselves in many ways. The fault current is not always able to make it to the ground prong on a 3 prong plug. This is especially true in our hobby where current leaks into water.

Also, to say that the only way stray voltage can harm a tank is by not having it on a GFI is senseless.

I'm not flaming you, and expressing your opinion is fine. However, be careful when speaking of hazardous things such as electricity where some inexperienced person might read your post, take it as gospel, and get electrocuted as a result. :-/

 

+1 me either, if something is faulty I don't use it more than I have to.

 

Way false! That three prong plug has nothing to do with voltage getting induced into the water. A simple MaxiJet power head will induce voltage in the water column. Take a meter and see for your self.