Sudden, dramatic, ORP change

madweazl · May 6, 2020

For the past few weeks, ORP has been averaging about 235. Today, I replaced the 3, Ehiem Jager heaters I was running (200w each) with 2, BRS titanium heaters (300w each). ORP instantly jumped to about 335. Unplug the heaters and ORP instantly drops back to 235. Install either heater and it goes back up (one or both heaters provide the same ORP value). I checked for stray voltage and have 0v measured without the heaters installed and 0v with the heaters installed (again, one or both heaters provide the same value). I get 2.5v from neutral to water. Nothing is on a GFCI. Everthing is plugged into a grounded 3 prong outlet. The only submerged, powered device in the setup is my skimmer (besides the heaters). No measurable stray voltage with just the skimmer running. ORP value doesn't change if the skimmer is plugged in or not.

Any ideas on what causes the change?

Edit: same post added to BRS forum here.

AZMSGT · May 6, 2020

Contact BRS, they may know. Doesn’t look like a GHL issue.

Member No 1 · May 6, 2020

The heaters. Without the heaters stray voltage is 0v with the heaters it's 2.5v. This is causing the ORP to spike.

I've heard reports and seen a few not so nice reviews on the BRS heaters.

Why may I asked that you replaces the 3 EBO Jager heaters? Were they working fine?

madweazl · May 6, 2020

Member No 1 said:
The heaters. Without the heaters stray voltage is 0v with the heaters it's 2.5v. This is causing the ORP to spike.

I've heard reports and seen a few not so nice reviews on the BRS heaters.

Why may I asked that you replaces the 3 EBO Jager heaters? Were they working fine?

Edited the original post. Ground to water I get 0v but neutral to water I get 2.5v with the heaters plugged in. Heaters were working fine, I wanted to run two heaters vs the three to open a relay and the 300w Jagers are too long to fit in my sump.

Edit: which isn't a surprise I guess since it acts as its own grounding probe.

madweazl · May 6, 2020

AZMSGT said:
Contact BRS, they may know. Doesn’t look like a GHL issue.

I don't disagree but GHL [likely] knows their controller better than BRS knows their heater.

greg 45 · May 6, 2020

I had a similar issue years ago with this and a GHL unit . After switching to GF-Signet orp , I have never had this issue . Orp when using GHL would spike when I turned on a metal halide lite over the aquarium. Also orp doesn't jump around like your changing a radio station. Just by plugging or unplugging a electrical device. This should not happen my issue with them never did get resolved . One thing they did recommend was a 3 prong power supply that didn't help at all . I hope they resolve your issue .

ingchr1 · May 6, 2020

Member No 1 said:
...I've heard reports and seen a few not so nice reviews on the BRS heaters...

The heaters or the controllers?

I've seen a few negative reviews on the controllers but not the heaters themselves.

I've read that the heaters are made by Schego, a well known high quality manufacturer in Europe, and the controllers are Inkbird.

madweazl · May 6, 2020

ingchr1 said:
The heaters or the controllers?

I've seen a few negative reviews on the controllers but not the heaters themselves.

I've read that the heaters are made by Schego, a well known high quality manufacturer in Europe, and the controllers are Inkbird.

I dont run the controllers, they're connected directly to the GHLs powerbars.

Member No 1 · May 6, 2020

ingchr1 said:
The heaters or the controllers?

I've seen a few negative reviews on the controllers but not the heaters themselves.

I've read that the heaters are made by Schego, a well known high quality manufacturer in Europe, and the controllers are Inkbird.

Chris, the controller. Seems the temp varies to much. But if the OP is getting stray voltage only when the BRS heater is plugged in, I would tend to believe the heating units are also suspect.

canadianeh · May 6, 2020

What is ORP? Sorry

Member No 1 · May 6, 2020

canadianeh said:
What is ORP? Sorry

What is ORP?

aperainst.com

madweazl · May 6, 2020

Member No 1 said:
Chris, the controller. Seems the temp varies to much. But if the OP is getting stray voltage only when the BRS heater is plugged in, I would tend to believe the heating units are also suspect.

Not sure what issues people are having with maintaining temps but mine has never been problematic.

canadianeh · May 6, 2020

Member No 1 said:
What is ORP?

What is ORP?

aperainst.com

Thank you. What’s the ideal ORP for reef tank?

Brian_68 · May 6, 2020

One reason not to worry about the ORP reading. I have in on my APEX but really don't pay much attention to the regular daily swings.

Member No 1 · May 6, 2020

Brian_68 said:
One reason not to worry about the ORP reading. I have in on my APEX but really don't pay much attention to the regular daily swings.

Unless you use it to control Ozone

Member No 1 · May 6, 2020

madweazl said:
Not sure what issues people are having with maintaining temps but mine has never been problematic.

You can read the reviews posted on the BRS site.

Aquarium Heater Controller - Bulk Reef Supply (DISCONTINUED)

Keep Your Aquarium's Temperature Steady with Bulk Reef Supply's Heater Temperature Controller! The easy to program temperature controller lets you connect up to two heaters to keep your aquarium's temperature super stable. The dual-screen LCD display lets you easily see the controller's setpoint...

www.bulkreefsupply.com

madweazl · May 6, 2020

Member No 1 said:
You can read the reviews posted on the BRS site.

Aquarium Heater Controller - Bulk Reef Supply (DISCONTINUED)

Keep Your Aquarium's Temperature Steady with Bulk Reef Supply's Heater Temperature Controller! The easy to program temperature controller lets you connect up to two heaters to keep your aquarium's temperature super stable. The dual-screen LCD display lets you easily see the controller's setpoint...

www.bulkreefsupply.com