American Marine Pinpoint pH Monitor. Anyone use one before?

[hardimanm]

Im looking at getting one of these and wondered if they are good?
here is a link
http://www.marinedepot.com/American...s-Pinpoint_Monitors-AM1111-FITEMOID-1-vi.html

 

[Tomoko Schum]

I have a lab grade hand held pH tester. I am sure that Pinpoint monitors are good. The only annoying thing about a tester is that you must calibrate it periodically and the sensor needs to be replaced every other year or so - some of them may last longer. I seldom test pH nowadays, though.

 

[chefmur]

I have used one for the last 2 years, works excellent I have only had to calibrate it once. Although once your tank is dialed in well I do not think it is necessary, you could save some $$ buy getting a hand held and use as needed I have not seen fluctuations on my ph in months.

 

[hardimanm]

I found one used for 2 months and upgraded to a better unit. I can get it for $50. So for half price.
So sounds like i should pull the trigger on this deal huh?

 

[Tomoko Schum]

Testing instruments are supposed to be calibrated more frequently, though.

 

[NicoleC]

I've used one for years. I agree with the other comments: they work well but do need to be calibrated periodically, eat batteries for lunch, and the probe needs to be replaced approximately yearly. I like them for new tanks or when making changes to a tank with equipment or livestock -- otherwise, they don't tell you much your eyeballs won't.

Also on the upside, the very unit I have has been in use for about 8 or 9 years now -- it's pretty hardy. And they beat the pants off of those semi-useful pH test kits.

 

[hardimanm]

I have been using a chemical test kit for a while now and i just dont trust it. Also I am starting to use a 2 part alk/cal suppliment and maybe kalk for the first time and want something i can trust to help me along this process.
So it sounds like that this maybe something i dont use all that often but it is a product i can trust to help me along

 

[Tomoko Schum]

Many pH test kit is accurate enough although reading the color chart is pain in the neck.

If you are using 2 part supplement, you should stick with it and not bother with kalkwasser. It's best to try one thing at a time and measure the progress. If you try two things at once, you won't be able to separate the result of the one from the other. Besides, adding kalk can drive your pH too high and cause CaCO3 precipitation if used with other alkalinity additives.

 

[hardimanm]

Thanks Tomoko. I was going to use the 2 part again but noticed my pH might be a little low. 8.2 or close. That is why i thought i would try kalk instead.
Of course im not 100% sure my pH is low...like i said i dont trust my test kit at the moment. So that is why i have been looking for a pH monitor

 

[Tomoko Schum]

8.2 is not low at all.

Here's a good reference for various aquarium water parameters:

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-05/rhf/index.php

If you would like to raise your pH a little, bake your baking soda for 1 hour at 350 degrees F to drive off carbon dioxide and moisture, and use it for making your 2 part alk solution. You can bake more than what you use in a short period of time. Just store the baked baking soda in a air-tight container.