Monitors and how they work

[ocd_mariner]

I posted this in the equimpent forum, but thought I'd cross post in here also:


Does anyone have any information/links on how different monitors for aqurium use work? That is, what are the technical details on how a ph monitor gets data from the water?

Also, does anyone have any insight as to why monitors for calcium, nitrate, magnesium etc. haven't (can't?) made it into the hobby?


Just curious

 

[APFish]

The Ca monitors and the like have all made it in to the hobby. I know for sure that the Ca has. The problem is that it costs ~$250 and is very finicky about its data. The slightest thing will give a false reading. If you do a search for Ca monitor there is a link were Calfo did a test run on one.
I am looking into a controller to try and monitor and control several of my parameters after buying the individual monitors. It is just easier and in the long run really makes it a lot easier to maintain if the computer is constantly monitoring everything. This is my hope anyway. If you are interested in a controller I am getting in on a group buy form California.

Rob

 

[crumbletop]

pH montiors I believe have a semi-permiable glass tip to the electrode that allows measurement of hydorgen ion concentration. Not sure of the exact technical details.

Like APFish says, the Ca monitor has made it to the hobby but is spendy and unreliable.

Jack