Is a PH pinpoint monitor worth it?

[Amyandlars]

I'm buying 2 phosphate reactors and thinking about throwing in a ph pinpoint monitor also. Is it worth the $94?

[reefsponge]

I have one and think it is well worth the ching. The flick of a switch and voila a ph reading. It has been really handy while dosing kalkwasser manually, you can fine tune the amount to use through visualizing the ph rise and fall. I calibrate mine every 3 months to see if it is accurate and has been very close every time. So make sure you get at least two of the three calibration fluids they offer. I would buy the american marine packets, they are more precise than a container of fluid that may lose it's ph value from constant tinkering.

[dsanfilippo]

definetley worth it...

[bertoni]

I use a pH meter and like it. They are more precise than the test kits, and easier, in my opinion, as well as more flexible.

[reefworm]

YES! After years of staring at color strips, I spent the $$ for one and it's worth every penny. Instant and accurate readings. Do yourself the favor. Pay careful attention to calibration instructions [buy extra fluids while you're at it] and you'll get excellent results.

-rw

[fatmtbiker]

can you guys post the make/models you have and if you like them or not?

[bertoni]

I have an Oakton pHTestr that works nicely for me.

[reefworm]

pinpoint by American Marine Inc. Buy pH 4.0 for storage, plus extra 10.0 and 7.0 for calibration

[Amyandlars]

I ended up ordering before any replies. whew! after the tons of stuff i have bought that was the equivalent of snake oil i was kinda worried. I figured it would be a good investment, since then i can get a quick ph reading for Acclimating new arrivals, since most of our livestock is ordered online. And I just started dosing for a drop in Alk. I figured those two reasons alone were indicators that a Ph monitor was worth it.

I went with the American Marine. Why 4.0 for storage?

[bertoni]

Electrodes can dry out and fail if stored dry. There are special storage solutions, or the probe can be kept in the tank. pH 4 would be fine, most likely, and would help clean the probe a bit.

[snorvich]

I have and use Pinpoint as well as Aquatronica. Pinpoint probes also work well on aquatronica. Very handy compared to test kits for strips.

[snorvich]

And Jonathan is correct, be sure and store them wet. I keep mine in the tank constantly (actually in the sump)

[kev apsley]

just make sure to calibrate it occasionaly

[DrBegalke]

I use the Hanna pH, ORP, temp combo meter.

[fatmtbiker]

Wow did a google for "Hanna pH, ORP"- at first I saw $435.95 and thought there must be a mistake, then I saw "Occupation: Physician"

[USC-fan]

You might want to get the AC adapter while you are getting the meter.

[tmz]

Very helpful tool.

[eeorrandy]

Pinpoint PH and yes it's more than worth it

[Agu]

I've had two great experiences with a pH meter. The enthusiasm when I got it and the relief when I got rid of it. In between the constant display of "imperfect" pH drove me nuts.

[Amyandlars]

How do you mean imperfect? I don't think I really care about what my Ph is as long as it stays the same or measuring the Ph in new stuff that I plan on qting, during Acclimation.

Or do you mean the crap it's not calibrated again imperfect?

[Agu]

I mean that when there's too much feedback there's a tendancy to "chase the numbers" . I was guilty of it and I see it on the board often. In our closed systems parameters will always have minor fluctuations, for me it's better to exam the tank instead keeping constant track of pH just because I can.

That said a pH monitor can be a handy tool when setting up a calcium reactor or a kalk reactor or topoff.