Pinpoint Calcium Monitors

[narcist21]

I've had a Pinpoint Calcium reactor running in my sump now for about eight months. I'm unable to calibrate it anymore so I emailed American Marine and was told that their probes were only good for seven months if left in the sump. Sounds kind of crappy to me, now I have to buy another probe tip $89 + tax. I guess the pinpoints aren't such a great deal after all. Does anyone know of other monitors with a better life expectancy?

 

[GTR]

I think once you have an understanding of what your tank's needs are that weekly testings is enough to keep things in line. I use the pH meter as a daily check and everything else is weekly. The calibration on the Ca monitor sounds to me like more work than it's worth.

SteveU

 

[®eefer]

Do you know how accurate the Salifert test kit is in comparison to the pinpoint monitor?

 

[JenDub]

those ca monitors are meant for spot check measurements, not for constant use. If you read the manual it says that light destroys the membrane on the probe, it is not meant to be left out for extended periods of time.

Can't really fault them for using their product in a manner inconsistent with the design/instructions...

 

[bennyinca]

I had both salifert and the calcium monitor at one time.

Salifert was accurate enough for me, the 2 tests were within 40 ppm sometimes... Being that I keep Ca at high 400's, a little more or less won't hurt.

 

[jiggy]

is this for all probes or just the ca probe? i leave my ph probe in sump

 

[GTR]

I replace the pH probe every year.

SteveU