stray voltage?

Whenever you have dissimilar metals in salt water, you're going to have some stray volts. Were you measuring AC or DC volts? What were you using as a reference? The dissimilar metals will make DC, if you're seeing AC, then there is a problem. No AC device should be leaking power into your tank, if it is, replace it ASAP.

The galvanic action isn't going harm you or your fish but if you felt a tingle, what were you touching when you put you hand in the tank?

 

I am pretty sure it was AC i checked, but not positive and will have to look when i get off work. The only thing i know i was touching was the surface of the water, maybe the rim of the sump. My leg may have been touching my 35g rhino tuff ATO/kalk reservoir. The thing is when i did the systematic unplugging and checking, nothing took those volts away. They did go down to about 5 when i initially pulled the pH probe out, and i am told that could be grounding the tank. But honestly i have read so many different things and differing opinions i think my head has come unscrewed is about to fall off.

 

I have heard this argument for grounding probes time and again. There may be merit to it, but not enough for me to install a ground probe. I would like to offer this advice: If you install it on a switch and turn it off while in the tank with your arms, you can have your probe and be safe at the same time.

 

Again it comes with problems. If the probe is plugged into a GFCI, a shorted device would trip the breaker. How many with probes connected via a GFCI check it's status before putting hands into their tank? And of course if it's not, you have the potential to start a fire. AFAIK, not many of us are barefoot on a grounded metal floor when working in our tanks, so you're still in more danger with the probe than without. With over 40 years in the hobby, I have never entertained the idea of installing a ground probe, simply because I have never found just cause for one, and have never heard a valid reason for one that didn't create worse real problems than the fantasy ones it's supposed to solve.

 

To each his own. I installed all brand new pumps including my return and 4 power heads, all brand new. I got zapped while in the tank with an open abrasion on my hand. Logic tells me that is bad. I installed a ground probe in my sump and my tank and no more zaps. I don't have the money to buy 400 dollar powerheads so my hydors and Marine lands have to do. In my book when I don't get zapped my fish don't get zapped so I feel the ground probe works for me and im sure it's worked well for others. I feel I have a valid reason and have never had an issue for 2 years now since these have been installed nor do I feel that it's a fantasy cure. In this hobby people use different things that work for them and I don't feel anyone is inferior or irresponsible for using them.

 

I appreciate everyone's input on this situation, even though each post was against the previous' opinion. I hadn't intended to open up such a debate but I think I know the course of action i will take.

Thank you everyone for your help

 

I have heard this argument

for grounding probes time and again. There may be merit to it, but not enough for me to install a ground probe. I would like to offer this advice: If you install it on a switch and turn it off while in the tank with your arms, you can have your probe and be safe at the same time.

You are of course free to do as you want, but there is a difference here that you are ignoring. In this particular case, your advice could cause someone to be injured or cause damage. Just because you don't have cancer doesn't mean the rest of use should not use sun screen.

 

An interesting discussion, never knew it was such a heated topic. Each is entitled to their own personal experience and opinion.

 

Neither did I.

 

IMO.Electricity and sw don't mix.Well they do but its a bad mix.I hate it; it scares me.This is why I never skimp on anything electrical that is submerged in my tanks/sump.(not foolproof of course) The biggest danger would be your heater.In most systems it draws the most power.I always unplug my heater before putting my hand in.(I have it on a switch and use a piece of tape to remind me to put it back on.lol)