Ultra-Ground Titanium Probe

Pumps, powerheads, chillers, and other aquarium electrical devices may emit stray voltage resulting in fish health problems like lateral line disease, fin erosion, and gill deterioration. Just place titanium grounding probe in your aquarium or sump and hook it up to a grounded outlet. Includes 9" titanium probe, suction cup, 10 ft ground wire, and attachment eyelet.

Features:

• Non-corrosive solid titanium rod
• Insulated transition joint
• 10 foot grounded lead

Please click on "More Information" for information regarding hole-in-the-head disease.

Marine hole in the head disease is a common disease in tangs and angelfish. This disease is often referred to as Head and Lateral Line Erosion (HLLE). HLLE has several contributing factors, and if caught early, can usually be successfully treated.

Causes
There are several suspected contributors to the development of this disease, but one of the most commonly described is that of a vitamin deficiency, particularly Vitamin C. Chronic stress has also been suggested as contributing to the formation of the disease, as has stray voltage within the tank. Some forms of activated carbon have been thought to cause mineral imbalance and increase the incidence of the disease.

Signs
The signs of the marine form of this disease are similar to the freshwater form and include ulcers and erosions in the skin primarily located along the lateral line and head area. These lesions may start as pinpoint holes, but then grow in size. Secondary bacterial infections may develop.

Treatment
Treatment of marine "hole in the head" disease involves addressing all of the potential causes of the disease. Providing a vitamin supplement containing Vitamin C or providing a constant supply of fresh plants in the form of edible algae or seaweed strips is important. Make sure the diet is varied and meets the specific needs of the fish you are feeding.

Check your aquarium for stray voltage. A hand-held volt meter can be used to measure voltage and if any voltage is present, properly ground your aquarium. Some recent reports have indicated that this may be a more common problem than originally expected.

Maintaining excellent water quality and preventing fluctuations in temperature will also help prevent stress, which will in turn help keep the immune system strong and functioning at the best possible level. Stress from poor water quality, overcrowding, aggression, or poor nutrition will all suppress the immune system making the fish more susceptible to all diseases or infections.

DFS Aquatic Staff Tester
Rhinelander, WI

Stray voltage is problematic because most hobbyists don't think it's a health risk for aquarium inhabitants. The Ultra-Ground Titanium Probe is an easy solution to this common problem and is a fundemental piece of equipment especially if you have a saltwater aquarium with sensitive inverts.