Equipment Maintenance & Ground Probes

The equipment that runs our reef systems need to be serviced at least twice a year.  Your main pump, powerheads, skimmer pump etc. should all be disconnected, taken apart & cleaned, especially the impellers and magnetic surfaces.  Over time these will get coated, clogged and be far less efficient/effective.  Gently scrub with an old toothbrush, rinse with warm water, reassemble & reinstall them in your system.

No matter how well we maintain our equipment, they do get old and over time, can fail.  Have you ever felt tingling when you put your hand in your tank. It almost feels like a cut getting salt in it but that isn't it! Worse yet, have you ever been zapped?!!  Be sure to install ground probes!!  I've had powerheads corrupt, heaters break etc. causing stray voltage & dangerous shock conditions!  Stray voltage in your tank can cause fish deaths, fish jumping, corals to close & sometimes die!!  Most importantly your LIFE is at risk!  BE SAFE!!!  Use ground probes on your systems!!!  These could very well save your life!  Ground probes remove stray voltage by creating an easy path for it to go to ground using a titanium end placed either in the tank or sump and plugged into a grounded outlet.  If you don't have one, some day YOU may become that path to ground!

Another step to take is check your system once a month for stray voltage using a volt meter.  This inexpensive tool can tell you if you have a problem by measuring any volts in the water.  If there is detectable electricity at 4 volts or more start unplugging equipment one by one until you find the source.  Volt meters can be purchased at any Radio Shack, Home Depot etc.  It doesn't need to be a fancy meter, just enough to perform voltage metering.  Be sure to unplug your ground probe before testing!

Again, install ground probes in ALL areas you have electrical equipment submersed (including saltwater mix containers).

AquaCorals has Ground Probes In Stock!  Get yours Today!