Print Page - Grounding Probe

Title: Grounding Probe
Post by: xiaan on February 19, 2009, 10:31:31 AM

Anyone know where I can Get a grounding probe? I think I have some stray voltage in my salt water system.

Title: Re: LF: Grounding Probe
Post by: veron on February 19, 2009, 10:41:39 AM

forget the probe,find the leak. if you have something leaking voltage into the tank it means that more than likely saltwater is also in contact with copper wiring.

Title: Re: LF: Grounding Probe
Post by: xiaan on February 19, 2009, 11:23:37 AM

I know I also have to pick up a voltage meter to find the problem ;).
Right know the only way I know I have a problem is that I feel a tingly sensation when I touch my water in the sump (but not in the display)

I am just wondering if any one has seen the probes in the store (I would also like to get a probe just in case).

Title: Re: LF: Grounding Probe
Post by: veron on February 19, 2009, 11:37:46 AM

probaly a heater :) personally, I never liked the idea of using probes. your just giving a leakage a path to ground. and I find that it could mess with electronic ballasts in the circuit etc,,,, even maybe mess with your GFCI outlet. just never had to use them.

Title: Re: LF: Grounding Probe
Post by: buzzard on February 19, 2009, 06:21:34 PM

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18272/si1380364/cl0/ultralifetitaniumgroundprobe

http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsUS/ctl3684/cp18272/si1383299/cl0/coralifetitaniumgroundprobe

Title: Re: LF: Grounding Probe
Post by: xiaan on February 19, 2009, 11:24:22 PM

Thanks I picked one up tonight. I also picked up a Meter (they are on sale right now at CT for %60 off)
now I have to hunt down the leak. Tested my water and it was about 47V :o with the probe in there it is only 0.1V.

Title: Re: Grounding Probe
Post by: Funkmotor on February 22, 2009, 06:27:06 AM

I had a really bad leak a while ago. Took a while to find what it was...a Koralia Nano. The epoxy around the wire entering the pump had disintegrated into little shards.

Title: Re: Grounding Probe
Post by: veron on February 22, 2009, 06:31:48 AM

ahh yes the KORALIAS, there was a recall on some models awhile back.

Title: Re: Grounding Probe
Post by: xiaan on February 23, 2009, 09:00:48 AM

I do not have a koralia in my tank right now (I have one but It really needs a cleaning was making lots of noise)

Here is a list of electrical equipment that is in the tank.

Skimmer
2x 250w Vizatherm Heaters
2x MJ900
Tunze 6055
AC30
Sequence Dart
ATO sensors (from autotopoff.com)
PH Probe
Temperature Probe
Salinity Probe
ORP Probe

I have pulled out everything and still get a reading??

This is how I do the test:
I put the red lead into the tank and take the black lead an put it on a known ground I set my DMM for Auto AC Volts

If I touch a ground in my sockets I get 47V
If I touch my MH frag tank ballast case (it should be grounded to) I get 6V.
If I touch my hand I get 47V

This is all in my sump I tested my display tank and I only ever get around 6V.

Title: Re: Grounding Probe
Post by: veron on February 23, 2009, 09:21:32 AM

did you try with the heaters? you will get a reading regardless but its not normaly that high.

Title: Re: Grounding Probe
Post by: xiaan on February 23, 2009, 10:07:38 AM

yes I did I removed both heaters and there is still a reading

Title: Re: Grounding Probe
Post by: bitterman on February 23, 2009, 10:12:11 AM

Maybe you have this effect occuring? But probably not.

http://www.miniscience.com/projects/airbattery/

OVAS

Aquarist Forums => Equipment / DIY => Topic started by: xiaan on February 19, 2009, 10:31:31 AM