Pinpoint Monitors

[matthewscars]

I tried to search for this and got nothing.

I am interesed in hearing some feedback on the Pinpoint monitors.

I am in the market of buying a; pH, Nitrate, and Salinity Monitor.

Pros/Cons?

 

[mborn]

I have the Pinpoint pH monitor and I like it very much. I have the probe in my sump for constant pH monitoring. I find it to give accurate and stable readings. As with any pH monitor you will need to recalibrate the probe from time to time as the readings will start to drift. But for me this hasn't been excessive. I re-calibrate the unit every few months using pH 7.0 and pH 10.0 calibration solutions. For me the readings drift up and give a higher than normal pH when it's time to re-calibrate

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

The Pinpoint salinity meter is a conductivity meter, and seems to be a fine choice. It can also be used to measure limewater potency. I use a different and more expensive meter for conductivity, but that is just because the more expensive one equilibrates its temperature and temperature corrections faster. The Pinpoint takes a couple of minutes to come to tank temperature. I would not leave it in 24/7.

The pH meter is a fine choice, but some lighting systems cause interference if used too close to them. It is the only one of those you mention that can be left in tank water continuously, IMO.

I've not reviewed the nitrate meter in detail, but I have used one, and it seemed to function fine. It is sound in principle, and may be a better way to go than test kits, since it is actually calibrated with each use. It does not read continuously like a pH meter. You take a sample and do some things with the meter and it. More like their calcium meter.

I review their calcium meter here:

Electronic Calcium Monitoring
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-04/rhf/index.htm

 

[matthewscars]

So if i dont leave the Salinity in 24/7, whats the time frame I can? I assume if you take it out of the water for a few days, you would need to recalibrate?

Also, what's the battery life of the 9V?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

The concerns are several fold: running down the battery, getting precipitates or growing organisms on the electrodes that reduce the apparent conductivity requiring more frequent cleaning and/or calibration, and getting bubbles trapped in it that also give false low values.

I've never run out the battery on mine since I use it for a minute or two, then shut it off. Perhaps others can comment for longer uses.

Conductivity meters are meant to be stored dry and do not need frequent calibration.

 

[matthewscars]

Nice. Thanks for your help.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You're welcome.

Happy reefing.