ph monitor????

[Joel]

What iyo is the best reasonably priced ph monitor, does it show high/low values and where is the best place to get one? I have an extremely hard time distinguishing between the shades of color on the test kits I have tried and don't want to buy one that people have had a lot of trouble with.

[Phantom Phish]

If your willing to spend the bucks, you can't beat a digital pH monitor or controller. I had the same problems you do with reading the color charts. I got an American Marine Pinpoint pH controller (I'm eventually headed for a CO2 calcium reactor), although after listening to last nights talk about calcium reactors, I could probably have gotten away with just the pH monitor. I love it. Took about ten minutes to set up and calibrate, and it reads continuously 24 hours a day (of course). I ordered mine online from Premium Aquatics (www.premiumaquatics.com)

[robsweet]

I've got American Marine's Pinpoint pH monitor and I'm quite happy with it. So far it's seemed very reliable.

[ckreef]

Originally posted by robsweet
I've got American Marine's Pinpoint pH monitor and I'm quite happy with it. So far it's seemed very reliable.

That is what I have also. Very reliable and resonably priced.

One thing to note ---- When the low battery warning comes on it starts giving false readings. Once the new battery is installed the readings go back to what they should be. You can also get a wall plug adapter which would solve that problem.

[Heyoo]

www.aquaticecosystems.com has an $18 handheld pH meter. Its not the type that stays in your tank... it doesn't have outputs to control a doser - but it is a dirt cheap tester. It may not be as accurate as the pinpoint models... but surely its better than hard-to-read test kits. I've been thinking of ordering one to check it out. If it sucks, you're only out $18.

Originally posted by Joelb
What iyo is the best reasonably priced ph monitor, does it show high/low values and where is the best place to get one? I have an extremely hard time distinguishing between the shades of color on the test kits I have tried and don't want to buy one that people have had a lot of trouble with.

[Joel]

Thanks everyone, looks like American Marine is the one. I've found one online @ premium aquatics.com for $79.99. Anyone heard any horror stories or are they ok to buy from? I would love to buy from my lfs but it is $135 there. It looks like the same meter?????

[robsweet]

Someone tolld me that their livestock isn't the best but I've bought drygoods from them before with no problems.

[ckreef]

Originally posted by Joelb
Thanks everyone, looks like American Marine is the one. I've found one online @ premium aquatics.com for $79.99. Anyone heard any horror stories or are they ok to buy from? I would love to buy from my lfs but it is $135 there. It looks like the same meter?????

WHy don't you contact one or more of our sponsors. let them know you can get it for 79.99 + shipping.

See if they are willing to sell you one for around 90.00 (which is about what you'ld pay w/ shipping). That should be a comperable price. Never hurts to ask and at least you gave them the opportunity.

Charles

[Joel]

Thanks Charles, I'll talk to them as soon as my wife says I can spend the money on it. What with a fairly new baby, the dog, fish, birds and I come last in just about that order.

[Rick O]

Originally posted by Joelb
Thanks everyone, looks like American Marine is the one. I've found one online @ premium aquatics.com for $79.99. Anyone heard any horror stories or are they ok to buy from? I would love to buy from my lfs but it is $135 there. It looks like the same meter?????

Premium Aquatics is the best. I've spent thousands of $$$ with them and their service is first class. They also ship the same day you order and they're close enough that regular UPS ground only takes two days.

[robsweet]

Great idea about giving our sponsor stores the chance to match the price, Charles. We might want to mention that at the next meeting (noting, of course, that the sponsors are in no way obligated to match prices).