pH testing

[futureeyedoc]

Wondering what everyone's preferred method of testing for pH is???
Currently I just have the high range pH test as part of the basic reef API test kit that I have. I know that the API tests are known to not be the most accurate - and what's worse I seem to always have a hard time finding a color on the "key" that matches up very well with the result of the test...


Am I better off going with a digital pH meter or just paying for a more expensive/higher end pH test kit like Salifert???
Anyone have any experience with either?
Any thoughts?

My pH does stay pretty consistant at 8.2 to 8.3 but I've found more of a need to closely monitor it as I've been trying to get my alK back up to 10 from a big drop a while ago...

 

[Tomoko Schum]

I find API pH test is good enough for me. I have a lab grade pH meter, but I don't find it necessary unless I am making some fine adjustments to a calcium reactor. Actually I don't even worry about making fine adjustments to the reactor effluent any more. Testing tank water with API pH test kit gives me enough data to tweak my reactor usually.

One nice thing about a pH meter/tester is that you can just turn it on and put the probe in water to get a digital readout. However, you have to calibrate it periodically. The probe needs to be replaced every other year or more frequently if the reading starts to drift.

 

[chefmur]

I have had great success with the American pinpoint monitor, about $100 but I have an accurate constant ph reading. I have had to calibrate it once about 5 months after I had it but it is fairly simple to do.

 

[Tomoko Schum]

It's just expensive to replace the probe. My replacement probe costs me $35 or so.

My tester stays in calibration, too. The lab at my work always calibrate their pH meter before each test - just their normal procedure. I used to do it once a month. It needs another probe but I have not replaced it yet. Just not high in my priority, I guesss.