Grounding probe needed??

My corals are not acting normal.water and temp are good ( taking samples to LFS to make sure ) thinking maybe need grounding probe. Do you just use a regular voltage tester? I only have two power heads and a heater so might just try unplugging one at a time and replace if necessary. What is the acceptable voltage in the water?

 

No voltage is acceptable,motors on pumps and powerheads can generate a minute magnetic electrical field,but should not be detectable.I don't care for the use of ground probes as they can mask an issue with a piece of equipment.I prefer gfci outlets or breakers that will kill power in the event of equipment failure or something grounding or shorting out.You test for voltage by putting one meter lead (probe) into the neutral side of an outlet,the other probe in the tank water and start checking at least at the 120 volt ac scale and keep testing until you've worked your way down to the millivolt scale.If you get a reading,then yes,while the meter is still connected,you start to unplug all electrical items one at a time,including your lighting,until you find the culprit.

 

i recently had the ground probe question and here are some of the answers i received. there are a few links to articles you can read also http://www.3reef.com/forums/general-reef-topics/ground-probes-whats-your-thoughts-132437.html
i now have a properly working ground probe hooked up.
all my pumps/electrical items were throwing off magnetic fields, which are not much as one but in combination it adds up.

plus i had a problem with my surge protector. thats gone too. thats another issue. but who knows others may have the same issue and not be aware of it.

 

i want to add, there are different schools of thought on ground probes. and i honestly still don't know what way is best. but i feel better with it in there working. i haven't seen any real difference that i can really say, but me not getting shocked any more, and not feeling that tingle on cuts when i put my hands in the water.
i would look at your mag level, alk, salt and other things for your answer to whats up with the corals.

 

I run grounding probes and GFCI on all of my tanks. They are not expensive, and it is a good peice of mind. Also, I have had some stray voltage from a heater that was going on the fritz...it was enough to shock me a little bit (tingle) but not enough to trip the GFCI. So, better safe than sorry I think.

 

Lighting??

 

Yes,if your lights are connected to the tank in any way,shape or form,I wouldn't rule them out either.Hanging lights would not apply of coarse.I've never had lights be a problem for me personally,but have seen more than one thread where the lighting was the electrical issue.I would agree it's highly unlikely your lights are the trouble,I just wouldn't rule it out.

But I would first just test for voltage to even see if it is the issue,then proceed from there.

 

My tester took a dump,going to get a new one as well as a water test-keep ya posted.