Page 1 of 1

Home made Ground Probe

Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 7:39 pm
by andy4499
I have a friend that wants to make a grounding probe for his tank. Has anyone ever made one before or know how?

Re: Home made Ground Probe

Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 8:31 pm
by Scott
They should be made of titanium, that might be the limiting factor. How much is one new?

Re: Home made Ground Probe

Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 8:48 pm
by andy4499
I think a new one is about $10-$20 I think that my be his best way to go.

Re: Home made Ground Probe

Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 8:51 pm
by Scott
Without a doubt. I wouldn't risk my life for $20 again.

Re: Home made Ground Probe

Posted: Sat Jan 30, 2010 10:07 pm
by Amphiprion
I'm one of the folks who doesn't like grounding probes. I don't like the idea of providing a ground to establish a circuit, creating current along with the voltage. While it's static, it can't kill you, since there's no current. Add something to allow it to flow, and you've got current, which combined with the voltage, is what will kill you. Worse yet, establishing a current in the tank is what is worse for the animals. Some static voltage is normal, since the ions in seawater create it. Also, electric/magnetic fields from your lights and ballasts will also induce some voltage. IMHO, if you're getting enough to shock you, you need to find out what it is and get it out.