Apex Probes interference

[reefscapestudio]

Hello everyone! I could really use some help. I was on a call with Neptune about something different and they noticed my charts weren’t reading correctly. They Said they shouldn’t be boxy on the charts and should have more of a gradual parabola. They said it is most likely EMI (electromagnetic interference) I have moved the brain with the probes away from the apex power bar and wrapped them individually in aluminum foil as a short term potential fix. Mostly to test and see if that’s what it is. I really want to fix this but am unsure of what to do so far. They said we can get back in a call in a week to see if it’s fixed. I started using the probes about 2 1/2- 3 weeks ago. Maybe they need to break in? My tank is still cycling at the moment. I’m also wondering if the readings are correct In general. I know my temp and salinity are for the most part. My salinity is 34 ppt but it’s showing as a little over 35 ppt which could be because I didn’t calibrate in the exact same water temp (it sat out a little too long after a failed calibration attempt). I would really appreciate any help with this! I’m OCD and it bothers me lol

 

[reefscapestudio]

Hello everyone! I could really use some help. I was on a call with Neptune about something different and they noticed my charts weren’t reading correctly. They Said they shouldn’t be boxy on the charts and should have more of a gradual parabola. They said it is most likely EMI (electromagnetic interference) I have moved the brain with the probes away from the apex power bar and wrapped them individually in aluminum foil as a short term potential fix. Mostly to test and see if that’s what it is. I really want to fix this but am unsure of what to do so far. They said we can get back in a call in a week to see if it’s fixed. I started using the probes about 2 1/2- 3 weeks ago. Maybe they need to break in? My tank is still cycling at the moment. I’m also wondering if the readings are correct In general. I know my temp and salinity are for the most part. My salinity is 34 ppt but it’s showing as a little over 35 ppt which could be because I didn’t calibrate in the exact same water temp (it sat out a little too long after a failed calibration attempt). I would really appreciate any help with this! I’m OCD and it bothers me lol

Just an update I moved a magnet that was Apart of the Helios temp probe that was close to the Neptune probes. But I noticed when I stick my head in my sump there is a faint ringing that I can hear which I’m guessing is from electrical. I unplugged the two BRS heaters and that didn’t stop it. The rest of the products I have in there currently are a Neptune LLS, Neptune cor-15, and Neptune ATK. In my display I have 2 Ecotech MP40s

 

[petcellar]

I'm not terribly good with words.... so let me see if I can explain what I am thinking.

I think your probes are ok.

You see the example you gave of the temperature probe? The temperature is remarkably steady. The shift in temperature is only .1 degree. The graph doesn't display values smaller, such as .01 degree. So the change will be very abrupt.

At least in the examples that you gave, it is showing a very zoomed up graph with very small changes in values. In that particular situation I think that is what you would expect to see. I don't think there is anything wrong... at least not from these examples.

FWIW

 

[reefscapestudio]

I'm not terribly good with words.... so let me see if I can explain what I am thinking.

I think your probes are ok.

You see the example you gave of the temperature probe? The temperature is remarkably steady. The shift in temperature is only .1 degree. The graph doesn't display values smaller, such as .01 degree. So the change will be very abrupt.

At least in the examples that you gave, it is showing a very zoomed up graph with very small changes in values. In that particular situation I think that is what you would expect to see. I don't think there is anything wrong... at least not from these examples.

FWIW

Thank you! I guess you’re right. They were saying my readings look to steady and flat compared to constant spiking and what not you usually see from a line graph. I have the probes in my chamber from the overflow coming into the sump right before it goes into the filter socks. Is that too much high speed flow? Should I move the probes into the skimmer section?

 

[petcellar]

I think the big thing with probes is to try to prevent bubbles from accumulating. I used to have trouble with my salinity probe drifting and needing frequent recalibration. I tried mounting it upside down, and that definitely seemed to help.... but that's not recommended and apparently can shorten the life of the probe. I then moved it to the refugium section of my sump where there were less bubbles and water flow was calmer.... and it has been rock steady for months now.

 

[reefscapestudio]

I think the big thing with probes is to try to prevent bubbles from accumulating. I used to have trouble with my salinity probe drifting and needing frequent recalibration. I tried mounting it upside down, and that definitely seemed to help.... but that's not recommended and apparently can shorten the life of the probe. I then moved it to the refugium section of my sump where there were less bubbles and water flow was calmer.... and it has been rock steady for months now.

Well I guess I’ll keep it for now. The readings do seem normal to me that’s why I was freaking out. I’m going to take the tin foil off the cables now

 

[mmorrison55]

My Neptune salinity probe was spot on with my Hanna salinity tester and my Milwaukee digital refractometer until I did a recent cleaning and calibration of the probe. Since then, it’s reading high. Telling me im in the high 36.6 range when all other devices tells me it’s in the low to mid 34 ppt range. Normally I wouldn’t worry if it’s a few tenths off, but 2. Whole points off is concerning.

It’s been about two weeks.i had hoped it would come down back into range on its own, but doesn’t seem like it will.


Wondering if there’s any benefit of keeping all the probes at least 6” from one another?