Why dont reef targets ph meters/probes exist.

[Tangdora]

Hypothetical question here as I sit here calibrating my Apex pH probe with its 7/10 calibration solutions. Why has no company in this hobby developed a reef specific pH meter. And by that I mean like a meter that only has a range of say 7.5 and 8.5 with like high precision 0.001 resolution and accuracy that would like calibrate using a 8.0 solution. In a world where we target typically target ranges between 7.8-8.4. This always crosses my mind when I’m using meters that cover ranges between 0 and 10+ where 95% of the meters capable range is outside of reef targets. With the exception of a calc reactor.

Is it just a lack of user demand case. Or does chemistry not allow for such a precise and targeted meters.

 

[Tangdora]

Botch the title lol. Was suppose to say “

Why dont reef target specific meters/probes exist.”​

 

[ScottF]

There are plenty of people that go above 8.5 and if I did slip above 8.5 or below 7.5, I'd want to know by how much. I personally would prefer the range than extra precision.

 

[Tangdora]

There are plenty of people that go above 8.5 and if I did slip above 8.5 or below 7.5, I'd want to know by how much. I personally would prefer the range than extra precision.

Don’t want to get to focus on the specific case range lol could have easily just said 7-9 only which I’m sure no one is out side of. Point just is using we use meter what cover the whole range with a .1 or .01 resolution. Just more curious why meter that better hone in reef target ranges with even higher precision don’t exist. I mean I would still have both to have something to fall back on were you to exceed the meter range.

 

[VintageReefer]

Because it really doesn’t matter. More precision = more money and ph isn’t a very important value for most people. I know plenty of people that don’t test or care about ph at all, and couldn’t tell you their ph. and many that don’t care as long as it’s 8+

8.2 vs 8.26 is functionally the same

Why pay more for a meter with reduced range? Maybe there’s a market in scientific industry but I don’t think that level of precision is needed for reefs.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

A pH probe only responds with a certain fixed voltage change per pH unit, regardless of whether the meter runs from 0 to 14, or 7 to 8. What determines the resolution is the ability to accurately and stably read small electrical voltage differences. There’s nothing significant to be gained by using a smaller range. :)

 

[Tangdora]

A pH probe only responds with a certain fixed voltage change per pH unit, regardless of whether the meter runs from 0 to 14, or 7 to 8. What determines the resolution is the ability to accurately and stably read small electrical voltage differences. There’s nothing significant to be gained by using a smaller range. :)

This makes sense thank. I typically rely on apex probes for my measurement as it easier to check in app at will. But I always like to have an independent device to check bi weekly that they are inline. Typically I try to find devices that have a 1/10 higher degree of resolution for validation. When it comes to ph however been using a Hanna checker that only measure 1 decimal. Usually I take one reading may read 8.0. Remove the meter and check a minute late only to find it reading 8.2 yet my Neptune would be reading 8.05 or something. I guess I’ll shift this focus to ask is anyone can recommend a good two degree ph meter. Just found this on on Hanna that did. It know existed.

https://hannainst.com/hi98107-phep-...NrLDcS4WgzP76myHCrxV_-Uz0iQ4KqzkfkBDagrNEiTGY

 

[painter1982]

Hypothetical question here as I sit here calibrating my Apex pH probe with its 7/10 calibration solutions. Why has no company in this hobby developed a reef specific pH meter. And by that I mean like a meter that only has a range of say 7.5 and 8.5 with like high precision 0.001 resolution and accuracy that would like calibrate using a 8.0 solution. In a world where we target typically target ranges between 7.8-8.4. This always crosses my mind when I’m using meters that cover ranges between 0 and 10+ where 95% of the meters capable range is outside of reef targets. With the exception of a calc reactor.

Is it just a lack of user demand case. Or does chemistry not allow for such a precise and targeted meters.

Why would you need that kind of precision? It’s not like ph just sits exactly the same 24/7.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

This makes sense thank. I typically rely on apex probes for my measurement as it easier to check in app at will. But I always like to have an independent device to check bi weekly that they are inline. Typically I try to find devices that have a 1/10 higher degree of resolution for validation. When it comes to ph however been using a Hanna checker that only measure 1 decimal. Usually I take one reading may read 8.0. Remove the meter and check a minute late only to find it reading 8.2 yet my Neptune would be reading 8.05 or something. I guess I’ll shift this focus to ask is anyone can recommend a good two degree ph meter. Just found this on on Hanna that did. It know existed.

https://hannainst.com/hi98107-phep-...NrLDcS4WgzP76myHCrxV_-Uz0iQ4KqzkfkBDagrNEiTGY

Some meters can read to 0.001 pH units. I had one like that, but as folks note, it’s not necessary or even better for most reefing purposes.

 

[p1u5h13r4m24]

I’ve had high end and low end ph probes. I end up replacing them twice a year regardless. I do have a light in my sump but I clean the regularly. So for me the cheap ones work well :)

 

[Malcontent]

My Thermofisher pH meter has an option to set the number of digits to 0.001 if desired. I set it to 0.01.

My guess is that it's like analytical balances--it depends on whether the analog to digital converter is up to the task.

I think it's mostly a meter thing but the probe has to be up to it as well. I don't think I could attach a $50 probe to my meter, set it to 0.001 digits, and expect meaningful results.

 

[Tangdora]

That’s for the input. Going to role with the unit below call it a day. Has 2 digit ph and can validate my apex orp number too. Plug this one looks like the ph probe can easily be replace instead of tossing out the meter

https://hannainst.com/hi98121-orp-p...I3P_Un2vyFqNG5VdzVqiLYIVAbTJaeRlEPBLqCpKQt-xF

 

[gbroadbridge]

That’s for the input. Going to role with the unit below call it a day. Has 2 digit ph and can validate my apex orp number too. Plug this one looks like the ph probe can easily be replace instead of tossing out the meter

https://hannainst.com/hi98121-orp-p...I3P_Un2vyFqNG5VdzVqiLYIVAbTJaeRlEPBLqCpKQt-xF

If you want a reasonably accurate pH meter and probe look to the Milwaukee professional devices.

But as others have noted, pH in an aquarium is possibly less useful then a pH meter in a swimming pool.