Who makes the best PH probe?

[elcapitan1993]

I’m looking to find a accurate and reliable ph probe that is NOT from Neptune, BRS or GHL but I can’t seem to find much about them online, when I search for it all that pops up is what the best ph meters are, but I’m specifically asking about a ph probe with the BNC connector on it

 

[mynd]

They all suck and re-calibration has always had its moment.. People tend to compare the probes to what they see with actual test, whether it be chemical or battery operated or even strips.. Then you go back and forth wondering which one is the most accurate and so on and so forth.. Stick to the old methods, probs are problematic. Honestly, after awhile you know how the tank is responding, you hope.. you do a guesstimate. Chances are your guess is better then any test. People need to stop trying to automate everything. The purpose of having a reef tank is to be involved. Once you get involved I am not saying tests are not important, but being personal with your tank every day, makes you the only test you need. I hope that makes sense..

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

I use pinpoint or apera brand, double junction probes. The higher price that brs & neptune charges for the same stuff is crazy.

 

[elcapitan1993]

They all suck and re-calibration has always had its moment.. People tend to compare the probes to what they see with actual test, whether it be chemical or battery operated or even strips.. Then you go back and forth wondering which one is the most accurate and so on and so forth.. Stick to the old methods, probs are problematic. Honestly, after awhile you know how the tank is responding, you hope.. you do a guesstimate. Chances are your guess is better then any test. People need to stop trying to automate everything. The purpose of having a reef tank is to be involved. Once you get involved I am not saying tests are not important, but being personal with your tank every day, makes you the only test you need. I hope that makes sense..

I feel like some are better than others, some calibrate better some hold calibration longer some are extremely accurate some are fast responding etc.

and having probes doesn’t have to mean tank automation, and I believe there is nothing wrong with automating certain things on a reef tank, sorry but I prefer to save my back and not carry 5 gallon buckets back and forth to Change 40 of water.
I completely agree it should be involved and personal but using equipment doesn’t affect that

 

[elcapitan1993]

I use pinpoint or apera brand, double junction probes. The higher price that brs & neptune charges for the same stuff is crazy.

I have heard pinpoint is great, I haven’t ran across anyone using apera before though, the Neptune probes aren’t even that good honestly, my apex ph probe went out before my 20$ Chinese one

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

I have heard pinpoint is great, I haven’t ran across anyone using apera before though, the Neptune probes aren’t even that good honestly, my apex ph probe went out before my 20$ Chinese one

The apera ones are ok. I bought one a few years ago when I couldn't get a pinpoint, calibrated just fine and did its job. I usually replace probes every 2 years regardless and calibrate at least once between replacements. Im not using it for a reactor, so im not as worried about exacting numbers.

 

[elcapitan1993]

The apera ones are ok. I bought one a few years ago when I couldn't get a pinpoint, calibrated just fine and did its job. I usually replace probes every 2 years regardless and calibrate at least once between replacements. Im not using it for a reactor, so im not as worried about exacting numbers.

I use two probes one for a CARX and another for testing alkalinity, but the one I have on my calcium reactor is a GHL probe and I really hate it, it’s extremely difficult to calibrate and I since I have it on a reactor I HAVE to calibrate it every month to prevent any problems occurring , I just want one that accurate and doesn’t need to be calibrated every single month, what do you think about the blue lab probe? , I found a really nice lab grade probe but the place only sells in bulk and you have to submit your business information and BLN to get them and at 180$ each even if I did own a business I don’t think I could afford that many

 

[Lbrdsoxfan]

I have a coworker/fellow reefer that uses a CARX and I know he just uses the pinpoint probes. They seem to be good enough and cheap enough to get the job done.

I just looked at the bluelab probes, looks like good reviews on them.

Another one to check is the milwaukee brand probes. I'd imagine they would work for your need since those are for industrial applications, so typically higher accuracy.

 

[elcapitan1993]

I have a coworker/fellow reefer that uses a CARX and I know he just uses the pinpoint probes. They seem to be good enough and cheap enough to get the job done.

I just looked at the bluelab probes, looks like good reviews on them.

Another one to check is the milwaukee brand probes. I'd imagine they would work for your need since those are for industrial applications, so typically higher accuracy.

I actually am using a Milwaukee for testing alk but I have only had it for a few days so I cannot comment on its quality, but it seems to give accurate ph readings so far

I didn’t know they were for industrial applications, that makes me think why are all the “hobby grade” ones so expensive and unreliable?

both of the leading aquarium controller company’s that I have used make extremely mediocre probes in my opinion. There for awhile I was expecting lab grade quality when I was purchasing certain reefing equipment but soon realized it is not

 

[Malcontent]

Maybe a process pH sensor (designed for continuous use)?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

There are many, many perfectly suitable probes, and the best ones are very expensive and overkill for a reef tank. Ross type probes, for example. Great but very expensive.

I discuss what to look for in a probe here;

Aquarium Chemistry: Measuring pH with a Meter

This article describes how pH meters work, how to select one to use, and how to best use it to measure the pH of a reef aquarium.

reefs.com

Selection of Combination pH Electrodes​

There are hundreds of different types and styles of pH electrodes. These vary in size, composition (glass or plastic sides, typically), shape, the nature of the glass membrane (even non-glass materials can be used), how that membrane is separated from the internal filling solution, (that is, single vs. double junction), whether the internal fluids are sealed or refillable, and a variety of other issues.

For most reef aquarists, the exact nature of the pH electrode doesn’t much matter. Nearly all can give suitable pH readings. Here is my opinion about what is most important to look for:

1. Selecting an epoxy body electrode instead of a glass body electrode will make it less likely that you will break it by accident. The glass bulb on the tip is still very fragile (I’ve broken many), but the bulb can be protected by a plastic shield to reduce the chance of breakage.
2. If you intend on measuring pH directly in the aquarium or sump (rather than in a cup of water removed from the aquarium), then expect to occasionally get the whole electrode wet (by accident). If it is a refillable type which has a hole for adding more filling solution (usually KCl), then you might get aquarium water into the electrode. That can severely degrade performance by messing up the reference electrode. So selecting a sealed electrode may be a better choice.
3. Some folks argue that a double junction electrode is preferable, and that is likely true. Without going into the design details, a double junction electrode makes it much less likely that there will be any exchange of ions between the aquarium and the filling solution through the glass bulb. This option may be especially important if you are using an internal reference electrode other than Ag/AgCl. For example, if it is a calomel reference electrode, it contains mercury. It is desirable to keep mercury salts out of the aquarium due to its toxicity, so a double junction is likely preferable in that case. Likewise, it is desirable to keep sodium and other seawater ions from entering the reference electrode, and a double junction prevents that to a much greater extent than a single junction. That aspect is more important if you leave the electrode in the aquarium water than if you put in into a storage solution after every use. In general, it is likely better to have a double junction
   than a single junction, but it may not result in appreciably better measurements.
4. There are other attributes of certain electrodes that may make them more useful in laboratories, and hence justify prices that easily range to more than $350 for the electrode alone. There is not likely any significant advantage in using such electrodes for reef aquaria, however. Do not be worried about claims that you need a special electrode for high pH or high sodium environments. That is true for the most accurate measurements at high pH and high salinity, but aquarium water will be OK with a standard electrode, and even brief measurements at high pH (like limewater) will be fine.

An electrode that I have been using for the past few years is sold by Cole Parmer. It is catalog number U-59001-70. It has an epoxy body, is sealed, and has a double junction. I’m not certain what type of reference electrode it contains, but I believe it to be Ag/AgCl. Its list price is $60.

 

[Ashish Patel]

I actually am using a Milwaukee for testing alk

HI, can you explain this more? I am curious how you can test Alk with a PH probe

 

[vetteguy53081]

Always liked and trusted Pinpoint

 

[Sean Clark]

I use these and replace the fill solution every four months-ish. They don't drift and last several years.

Always in Stock - Oakton General-Purpose pH Probe, Refillable, DJ, Glass, 3 ft Cable, BNC from Cole-Parmer

Oakton General-Purpose pH Probe, Refillable/DJ/Glass/3 ft Cable; BNC,"I would buy this product when the inventory goes low! The pH probes thaT I ordered for the lab folks, they are happy with it and using it! " Shop now at Cole-Parmer!

www.coleparmer.com

 

[scardall]

I feel like some are better than others, some calibrate better some hold calibration longer some are extremely accurate some are fast responding etc.

and having probes doesn’t have to mean tank automation, and I believe there is nothing wrong with automating certain things on a reef tank, sorry but I prefer to save my back and not carry 5 gallon buckets back and forth to Change 40 of water.
I completely agree it should be involved and personal but using equipment doesn’t affect that

I agree with you overall. I would add , Get a Lab grade PH probe ( double Junction type). Brand ?? These hold calibration better and tend to be more accurate IMO

 

[monkeyCmonkeyDo]

I'm going with pinpoint for my cal reactor ph probe when the time comes.
D

 

[BZOFIQ]

Agree on pinpoint as well.

 

[Kazumi]

What about a probe from these guys? https://atlas-scientific.com/probes/ph-probe/

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

HI, can you explain this more? I am curious how you can test Alk with a PH probe

I'm not sure what he means, but this is how to do it:

A DIY Alkalinity Test: By Randy Holmes-Farley - REEFEDITION

Alkalinity is one of the most important measurements that a reef aquarist can make. It can become rapidly depleted in many aquaria, requiring frequent measurement in order to maintain stable levels.

www.reefedition.com

 

[Rjramos]

Using a Milwaukee, interested to here from others.