PinPoint Salinity monitor

twkenny · 11/16/2006, 05:39 PM

Is is designed to stay on all of the time? Looks like it's more of a "portable" type design.
Thanks!

neotekz · 11/16/2006, 05:50 PM

it won;t work as a monitor, there's too much interference in your tank for it to give a accurate reading. even interference from electronic devices in your home can throw it off

jmchzn · 11/16/2006, 07:40 PM

true you should test using samples from the tank. It is very accurate just calibrate it once in a while and keep tip clean. It will also not work if batteries are going but the led screen will flash "batt" so you'll know

Newreeflady · 11/16/2006, 08:20 PM

I have had no trouble getting readings from the tank, no interference problems. I was advised to not leave it in the tank due to buildup that could cause inaccurate readings. You should rinse with RO or DI water when done.

-A

jkapit · 11/18/2006, 11:51 PM

Mine does not work acurately when my Compaq Florecents are on and it must be clean.

IMO not really worth the money. I wind up using my $7 plastic swing arm more than the salinty monitor.

twkenny · 11/19/2006, 07:24 AM

I appreciate the replies. We bought the meter to use in a 250 gallon tank we have at our church. The tank has a DialySeas auto top off/waterchanger on it, so salt must be added to the tank every day or two. This was an attempt to make it easier for the woman who adds the salt for us to keep it more consistent that it's been.
Maybe time to come up with plan B.

Newreeflady · 11/19/2006, 12:07 PM

I will say that I have been impressed with this equipment. I hate the swing arms, they are inconsistent, inaccurate, and are messier, imo. I calibrate this every month or two, and it is never off more than just a tad.

I've not had issues with any interference, I think it depends on what your running. I have no PCs, just halide, but I run lots of pumps, a heater, etc and get the same reading from the sump as from the kitchen with a water sample.

I personally love this thing.

twkenny, if the tank has a sump, maybe you can get away with planting it in there and cleaning it weekly. Not sure, tho.

Best,
-A

twkenny · 11/19/2006, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Newreeflady
I will say that I have been impressed with this equipment. I hate the swing arms, they are inconsistent, inaccurate, and are messier, imo. I calibrate this every month or two, and it is never off more than just a tad.

I've not had issues with any interference, I think it depends on what your running. I have no PCs, just halide, but I run lots of pumps, a heater, etc and get the same reading from the sump as from the kitchen with a water sample.

I personally love this thing.

twkenny, if the tank has a sump, maybe you can get away with planting it in there and cleaning it weekly. Not sure, tho.

Best,
-A

I was hoping to hear this form someone. I decided to leave it in the sump for a few days then check it against my refractometer. What I discovered was that the probe has a propensity to get some bubbles on it. Naturally, this affects the reading. I repositioned it and told the woman who helps with the tank to "slosh" it around a bit before checking the reading.

I also placed the probe near a powerhead we have in the sump and it did change the reading (increased) by .1 if I put the probe in direct contact with the powerhead. Same went for the skimmer pump.

So far, it seems like a worthy investment. I appreciate the comments and advice as always.

Newreeflady · 11/19/2006, 11:08 PM

You will notice that a "0.1" change when converted to salinity or to specific gravity is really marginal.

Best of luck, good purchase

-A

11/16/2006, 05:39 PM	#1
twkenny Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Sunny South Posts: 1,081	PinPoint Salinity monitor Is is designed to stay on all of the time? Looks like it's more of a "portable" type design. Thanks!

11/16/2006, 07:40 PM	#3
jmchzn Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: nyc/ct Posts: 147	true you should test using samples from the tank. It is very accurate just calibrate it once in a while and keep tip clean. It will also not work if batteries are going but the led screen will flash "batt" so you'll know __________________ JMCHZN This reef insures my kids get nothing! Current Tank Info: 90gal/starfire/oceanicTechTank/BubbleKing180 /30gal sump/48"Solaris LED light system/3.5-5" DSB/150 lbs live rock/tunze wave box/aqua 25w uv/PhosReactor THATS IT!

11/16/2006, 08:20 PM	#4
Newreeflady Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 4,840	I have had no trouble getting readings from the tank, no interference problems. I was advised to not leave it in the tank due to buildup that could cause inaccurate readings. You should rinse with RO or DI water when done. -A __________________ A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor’s cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. “It’s overfull! No more will go in!” the professor blurted. “You are like this cup,” the master replied, “How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup.” Current Tank Info: 56g, 20g.

11/19/2006, 12:07 PM	#7
Newreeflady Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 4,840	I will say that I have been impressed with this equipment. I hate the swing arms, they are inconsistent, inaccurate, and are messier, imo. I calibrate this every month or two, and it is never off more than just a tad. I've not had issues with any interference, I think it depends on what your running. I have no PCs, just halide, but I run lots of pumps, a heater, etc and get the same reading from the sump as from the kitchen with a water sample. I personally love this thing. twkenny, if the tank has a sump, maybe you can get away with planting it in there and cleaning it weekly. Not sure, tho. Best, -A __________________ A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor’s cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. “It’s overfull! No more will go in!” the professor blurted. “You are like this cup,” the master replied, “How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup.” Current Tank Info: 56g, 20g.

11/19/2006, 11:08 PM	#9
Newreeflady Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Ithaca, NY Posts: 4,840	You will notice that a "0.1" change when converted to salinity or to specific gravity is really marginal. Best of luck, good purchase -A __________________ A university professor went to visit a famous Zen master. While the master quietly served tea, the professor talked about Zen. The master poured the visitor’s cup to the brim, and then kept pouring. The professor watched the overflowing cup until he could no longer restrain himself. “It’s overfull! No more will go in!” the professor blurted. “You are like this cup,” the master replied, “How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup.” Current Tank Info: 56g, 20g.

11/16/2006, 05:50 PM	#2
neotekz Premium Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: ottawa, Ontario Posts: 698	it won;t work as a monitor, there's too much interference in your tank for it to give a accurate reading. even interference from electronic devices in your home can throw it off

11/18/2006, 11:51 PM	#5
jkapit Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Central, NJ Posts: 333	Mine does not work acurately when my Compaq Florecents are on and it must be clean. IMO not really worth the money. I wind up using my $7 plastic swing arm more than the salinty monitor.

11/19/2006, 07:24 AM	#6
twkenny Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Sunny South Posts: 1,081	I appreciate the replies. We bought the meter to use in a 250 gallon tank we have at our church. The tank has a DialySeas auto top off/waterchanger on it, so salt must be added to the tank every day or two. This was an attempt to make it easier for the woman who adds the salt for us to keep it more consistent that it's been. Maybe time to come up with plan B.