pH Monitors and Heaters

[Aaron]

I am tired of comparing colors on an index card all the time to get a pH reading, and I don't think they are very precise.

Looking at both American Marine and Milwaukee, any recommendations? The Milwaukee has an optional AC adapter, and I don't see that for the American Marine (though I may be missing something).

 

As far as the heater, I have been looking at bulk reef supply for both pH and heater, and I'm thinking of going with a 300w Finnex with digital controller.

This would be for a 55 gallon reef with 20 gallon sump, and I realize it's oversized, but in the past I have always used oversized heaters so that my heating and cooling are right up against each other (this has always allowed me to dial in a more precise operating temperature).

 

Would love some feedback, you guys are awesome.

[jason the filter freak]

finnex is crap

[Aaron]

Thanks Jason. Do you have any recommendations? I am prepared to make an investment, but I don't want to flush money down the toilet. :-)

[ctenophore]

No finnex. I had five (5) of their heaters fail within a month or two of use. Look at Eheim, but even those I won't recommend completely. IMO no heater is really good unless you get a high end titanium one not made for the aquarium hobby (scientific/lab equipment etc).

[Aaron]

Thanks. I'm glad I posted before making the purchase.

 

Can someone make a recommendation on what to purchase that will be reliable long-term?

 

Haven't gotten any feedback on the pH monitor. Any suggestions there?

[zygote2k]

I've ben using pinpoint ph monitors for 15+ years with no problems. I tried a Milwaukee PH51 pen but it needed constant calibration. The Amer. Marine only needs calibration once or twice a year.

[Aaron]

Thanks! I was thinking American Marine sounded like the best choice based on specs, although it would be nice to have an AC adapter.

[ctenophore]

I've heard the Pinpoint is most accurate when run by battery, as the AC adaptor can cause interference issues, or at least it used to many years ago. They may have fixed it now. I have used this meter for many years and recommend it. FWIW I use the AC adaptor with mine, but I notice the pH reading "jumps" from ~6.6-6.8 and back almost constantly, but I've found by measuring with several other meters that 6.8 is the correct value, so I don't worry about it. (This is on my calcium reactor effluent)

 

As for heaters, I really don't have a recommendation beyond the Eheim (with reservations).

[lhcorals]

I bought a Blue line Titanium heater from BRK 2 years ago after my Finnex crapped out on me. Knock on wood it has been a good heater. Getting ready to replace it with another one just to be safe.

[flowerseller]

You said you were willing to make an investment.

Get an Apex controller and you will not be sorry. This allows you do alot more than just monitor pH and temp. Now you can control them if programed properly.

You can also control lights and a bunch more, and do so from anywhere you have internet access.

BRK sells them.

 

As far as heaters, all glass heaters can break but I find with a little careful planning and paying attention to your actions, you can easily negate most issues. Ebo Jagers have done me very well over the years.

Never use the suction cup mounts, make or have made a hang on plastic mount. Always controll via a controller and use 2 smaller sized units set just high enough to heat close to intened temp.

Always better to be a tad colder than too hot. Place in a higher flow area that does not run (suck) dry, ever.

I'm on 3 years with the same 200w units, though they might be 150w's.