Which Hanna Instruments is better for Reefing?

[Highland Reefer]

I am looking to purchase a multi purpose meter for my setup & have been researching the Hanna Instrument models 98129 & 98130. I'm not sure which one would work for testing my reef aquarium & Osmosis water. Any help or remarks would be welcomed. The cost is about $140.00 total.

 

Hanna Instruments Combo pH/EC/TDS/Temp tester Specifications:

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Choose your Combo according to the proper EC / TDS ranges for your application:

 

[Brian Ward]

If you're going to buy a Hanna tester, I think this one is really cool, esp since I'm a little color blind

 

http://www.aquariumspecialty.com/catalog/p...09f6df48c6c138c

 

 

 

But for what you're looking at, I'd go with this for automated TDS on your RO system:

 

http://www.airwaterice.com/product/SENNODU...eter_Senno.html

 

 

 

and look at a controller for monitoring the other items you're interested in on the tank. Even something as simple as an AC Jr. or RK2 (http://www.neptunesys.com/ and http://www.digitalaquatics.com/) would do you. For a complete comparison of controllers: http://www.aquariumcontrollers.com/

 

I think you'll be a lot happier with a controller in the long run than with a meter.

[dhoch]

Depends on what you want.

 

If you want to measure TDS (of your RO water) and pH... you are better off getting a pH monitor and a cheap TDS reader for about the same about of $ out of hand.

 

I have one of the pH/Temp Hanna hand helds and I think the thing is a piece o crud... I have a tough time getting it to calibrate pH properly and then measure accurately.

 

Dave

[jnguyen4007]

I agree with Brian, the inline TDS meter is great. I have an older model than the one shown and I refer to it everytime I run my RO/DI. If you're interested in a pH monitor, you might as well spent a bit more and get a pH controller like the Milwaukee SMS122. You can use it to monitor your pH and when you're ready to set up a calcium reactor, the same device will monitor and control your pH as well. If you can afford it or willing to save up for it, you can get one of the muti controller devices like those that Brian listed that not only monitor and control your pH, but it also control your temp, lights and so much more.

 

James

[Highland Reefer]

The Milwalkee SMS122 sounds like a good idea for the ph. The in-line unit sounds good for the reverse osmosis.

 

FYI, I just recieved an email back from Hanna, the manufacturer of the multi-test units and they said that those units are not appropriate for my use.

 

I was thinking about getting a refractometer to test the salinity.

Any imput on this.

 

[Brian Ward]

The Milwalkee SMS122 sounds like a good idea for the ph. The in-line unit sounds good for the reverse osmosis.

 

FYI, I just recieved an email back from Hanna, the manufacturer of the multi-test units and they said that those units are not appropriate for my use.

 

I was thinking about getting a refractometer to test the salinity.

Any imput on this.

 

 

 

 

Pretty much everyone uses a refractometer for salinity - quick, easy, accurate. Just be sure to calibrate. Calibrating at 0, as well as with a known-quantity solution (probably around 35ppt) is important. All of the "instant monitoring" tools - pH probes, salinity probes and the like generally require regular calibration. Don't forget to occasionally use a standard chemical pH test to back up your results.

[jnguyen4007]

I use this refractometer, but I think the quality on all of them are about the same so you can choose whichever you want.

 

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/m...Code=Hydrometer

 

James

[NRehman]

Refractometer....calibrate regularly....calibrate regularly...calibrate regularly....

and in case I forgot... calibrate regularly.

[Highland Reefer]

I use this refractometer, but I think the quality on all of them are about the same so you can choose whichever you want.

 

http://www.premiumaquatics.com/Merchant2/m...Code=Hydrometer

 

James

James,

I've been checking out the refractometers today and the one you listed looks good and sturdy. I noticed some of the others had a knob for calibrating. I was wondering if the knob was worth the difference in the long haul. Any input is welcomed.

[jnguyen4007]

James,

I've been checking out the refractometers today and the one you listed looks good and sturdy. I noticed some of the others had a knob for calibrating. I was wondering if the knob was worth the difference in the long haul. Any input is welcomed.

 

The knob makes it a bit easier to calibrate as all you do is turn the knob. The one that I have requires you to turn with a small screwdriver to adjust. It's still very easy to use and very sturdy.

 

James