How to ground your tank

hllb · Jan 21, 2020

I do not currently have a grounding probe in my tank. I was going to order one, but they can't be used with a surge protector. I don't have access to an outlet close to my tank. Anything I can do about it?

Peace River · Jan 21, 2020

@Brew12

Brew12 · Jan 21, 2020

hllb said:
I do not currently have a grounding probe in my tank. I was going to order one, but they can't be used with a surge protector. I don't have access to an outlet close to my tank. Anything I can do about it?

I would plug it into the surge protector. If you run a titanium heater with a 3 prong plug your tank is likely grounded already.

hllb · Jan 21, 2020

I'm running this heater: https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/ebo-jager-heater-150-watt-eheim/

Brew12 · Jan 21, 2020

hllb said:
I'm running this heater: https://www.saltwateraquarium.com/ebo-jager-heater-150-watt-eheim/

That won't act as a ground.

Using a ground probe plugged into a surge arrestor protected power strip will work just fine. I'm not sure where you saw that it can't be done.

hllb · Jan 21, 2020

Brew12 said:
That won't act as a ground.

Using a ground probe plugged into a surge arrestor protected power strip will work just fine. I'm not sure where you saw that it can't be done.

Most of the directions I was able to find state not to use a power strip for them.

Brew12 · Jan 21, 2020

hllb said:
Most of the directions I was able to find state not to use a power strip for them.

It would be better not to, but it is fine if your power strip is made by a reputable company.

hllb · Jan 21, 2020

Brew12 said:
That won't act as a ground.

Using a ground probe plugged into a surge arrestor protected power strip will work just fine. I'm not sure where you saw that it can't be done.

Most of them have language like this:
" For device to function properly, use of extension cords or use of extension cords or power strips is forbidden. "

hllb · Jan 21, 2020

Brew12 said:
It would be better not to, but it is fine if your power strip is made by a reputable company.

Cool. I'll get a name brand one then. Recommendations?

Brew12 · Jan 21, 2020

hllb said:
Most of them have language like this:
" For device to function properly, use of extension cords or use of extension cords or power strips is forbidden. "

I'm guessing this is because people tend to use extension cords even if the ground plug has broken off. There were also issues with some cheap imported power strips where they actually had no ground bar installed in them. That was bad in many ways.