corals losing tissue due to voltage??

[pickupman66]

OK. I have a grounding probe on my system. but its located outside in the sump on a seperate circuit from the items that are inside the tank itself (Koralias). All circuits used for the tank are GFCI. Does it still protect the entire system? (heaters are in the sump on same gfci as the probe)

any way we put it, stray voltage is bad and the source should be found and removed.

 

[orthokardia]

is there a consolidated electrical thread on R2R anywhere?? If not sounds like we could use one. I have heard a lot of differing opinions. I bet a good EE with 30 min (or an electritian with 10) could do a great right up!

 

[Young Frankenstein]

If everything was plugged into a GFCI wouldn't that trip if the pumps were to leak any voltage? Am I missing something or all aquarium systems be protected with GFCI? Is there any need to test the water for stray voltage if you're protected by a GFCI? Would this be an additional safety measure?

NO IT WOULD NOT TRIP THE GFI in bold and underlined so that everyone knows. If there is no potential diffrence the gfi is not going to trip. Anotherwords if your fish tank is not grounded the 5ma triger current has no where to go and it would not trip the GFI.

 

[Young Frankenstein]

I also dis this thread to prevent cases like this but had no responses, anyway i am improving it with a digital meter that has a variable alarm and relay outputs so there is a high impedance between fish tank and ground. https://www.reef2reef.com/forums/do-yourself-diy/95248-voltage-warning-device-idea.html

 

[Young Frankenstein]

 

[sluicebox]

NO IT WOULD NOT TRIP THE GFI in bold and underlined so that everyone knows. If there is no potential diffrence the gfi is not going to trip. Anotherwords if your fish tank is not grounded the 5ma triger current has no where to go and it would not trip the GFI.

Now that's thinking and it makes perfect sense. So, all tanks need to be grounded and then if you have a pump leaking the GFCI will trip. Better yet, with your DYI device, you will get the alarm. Nice explanation! Thanks.

 

[Dowtish]

One thing to consider as well. Our Saltwater tanks are conductive on their own, much less when you add all these electrical devices. I highly suggest using a no-digital volt detecter. They are much more accurate when it comes to finding out what may be leaking in your tank. Simply hook it up, and start unplugging the devices and see what drops and how much.