attaching pH probe directly to calcium reactor

merlock116 · 04/24/2005, 12:49 PM

For any of you that want to attach your pH probe directly inline to your calcium reactor, I found the necessary attachments finally.

They're called "cord grips" aka "cable glands." Mcmaster.com has them on page 751. It has a compression fitting and is waterproof. Most probes are in the .3" to .5" diameter range.

Installation can be accomplished in the following ways.

1. Install a T in your reactor's recirculation loop and just screw in the MNPT fitting. (screws right into threaded PVC)
2. Drill and tap the reactor itself and screw in the MNPT fitting.
3. Drill the reactor itself install the fitting bulkhead style. (the cord grip itself is a mini-bulkhead).

bond007069 · 05/06/2005, 06:31 AM

cool.. nice idea

Stile2 · 05/06/2005, 06:46 AM

very cool

peezee · 07/19/2005, 01:01 AM

Can I get an illustration?

TroyPierce · 07/19/2005, 05:53 AM

Wow, wish I'd been able to find this three days ago. I searched McMasters for over an hour but didn't find it. I ended up spending $12 for one from another site instead of $3.52 from here.

Here's a pic of what they look like if you haven't seen them:

crash519 · 07/19/2005, 07:20 AM

You can also go this route:

Inline Probe Holder

wakefreak33 · 07/19/2005, 07:40 AM

Does anyone know the thickness of the milwaukie pH probe.

This is exactly what I have been looking for.

TroyPierce · 07/19/2005, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by crash519
You can also go this route:

Inline Probe Holder

This is what I ordered. They're $12 each with a minimum order of $25. Since ordering two was close enough to the minimum, that's what I had to do. Shipping was $5.00.

Since I had to order two, I'm thinking I'll use one on a bracket in my sump to hold my probe.

wakefreak33. I have the Milwaukee pH monitor and the probe is about 1/2 inch. The link above also sells that probe and this is the seal they use.

thereefgeek · 07/19/2005, 09:29 AM

They're also at Home Depot in the electrical isle for about $3 each.

peezee · 07/19/2005, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by thereefgeek
They're also at Home Depot in the electrical isle for about $3 each.

Youre right, I just got back from there and bought me one. thanx for the heads up.

TroyPierce · 07/19/2005, 01:38 PM

Dang! That's the story of my life. Spend $12, think I'm getting a reasonable deal and then find them at Home Depot for a quarter of the cost.

peezee · 07/19/2005, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by TroyPierce
Dang! That's the story of my life. Spend $12, think I'm getting a reasonable deal and then find them at Home Depot for a quarter of the cost.

Think of it this way, at least you know that it works and is reliable. So therefore its worth it.

kabboord · 07/19/2005, 05:21 PM

Hey, not to hi-jack... I think this is kind of a co-jacking...

I''ve been cutting my teeth on some real basic arcylic work (hoping one day to work my way up to sumps) but I've been making like probe holders and little things to hold all the tubes that come into and out of my sump for top off and calcium reactors and what not...
I've started using the rigid tubing that they use for RO systems.. .and I saw on someone's picture where the used something like those cable holders connected to a little acrylic thing that hangs ont he edge of the sump...
are those what they used? has anyone used those for this purpose? Does anyone know what size cable holder would be needed for ID 1\4 and ID 1\2 rigid tube?

Thanks

Joey French · 07/19/2005, 05:34 PM

Just did this last weekend. Surprising to see it pop up here now, thought I was onto something!

peezee · 07/20/2005, 09:29 AM

$1.50 at your local Home Depot.

TroyPierce · 07/20/2005, 11:25 AM

go ahead, rub it in. I"m sure that my $12 ones will be much prettier!

peezee · 07/20/2005, 11:36 AM

Sorry about adding insult to injury. Didn't mean to. Pretty sure yours will be much prettier than mine. Would like to see it when you receive it.

RicoJ · 07/23/2005, 02:08 PM

Does anyone what size I should purchase for a pinpoint probe?

TroyPierce · 07/23/2005, 04:08 PM

The one that seals about a half inch.

Chrisrush · 08/18/2005, 09:36 PM

Peezee,
Do you have a part number or skq number for that at HD? I couldn't find it locally.

Thanks,
Chris

causeofhim · 08/19/2005, 12:04 AM

Home Depot, here I come.

Chrisrush · 08/19/2005, 07:54 AM

Causeofhim,
Let me know if you find them and the sku or part # associated with the cord grips.

Thanks,
Chris

causeofhim · 08/20/2005, 11:19 AM

The ones at Home Depot are a bit different. Probably because they are made for waterproof electical fittings and not for plumbing.
I'll try it out and see if it will work.

Part # LN43DA
SKU 0 34481 04392 8

causeofhim · 08/20/2005, 11:21 AM

Actually I just looked at peezee's post. If you got yours at HD can you tell me where you found it? What departrmant? That is totally different than the electrical fittings. Half the price as well.

peezee · 08/20/2005, 06:09 PM

Ill go to home depot tonight and get the sku for you guys. Now if i remember what aisle it was on. hahah jk. I should be able to find it again.

04/24/2005, 12:49 PM	#1
merlock116 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 969	attaching pH probe directly to calcium reactor For any of you that want to attach your pH probe directly inline to your calcium reactor, I found the necessary attachments finally. They're called "cord grips" aka "cable glands." Mcmaster.com has them on page 751. It has a compression fitting and is waterproof. Most probes are in the .3" to .5" diameter range. Installation can be accomplished in the following ways. 1. Install a T in your reactor's recirculation loop and just screw in the MNPT fitting. (screws right into threaded PVC) 2. Drill and tap the reactor itself and screw in the MNPT fitting. 3. Drill the reactor itself install the fitting bulkhead style. (the cord grip itself is a mini-bulkhead).

05/06/2005, 06:46 AM	#3
Stile2 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Yucaipa, California (some little town you've never heard of) Posts: 1,624	very cool __________________ If you have a college degree, you can be sure of one thing. You have a college degree! Superman owns Chuck Norris Pajamas!! Current Tank Info: 77 Gallon Custom peninsula 3 sides viewable, DIY Steel Stand, OM Squirt, 2 x 250 w MH, 2 x 95 w VHO, DIY Skimmer

07/19/2005, 01:01 AM	#4
peezee Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 489	Can I get an illustration? __________________ Paul Current Tank Info: Looking for 60gal cube

07/19/2005, 05:53 AM	#5
TroyPierce Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 759	Wow, wish I'd been able to find this three days ago. I searched McMasters for over an hour but didn't find it. I ended up spending $12 for one from another site instead of $3.52 from here. Here's a pic of what they look like if you haven't seen them: __________________ "Everythings better, down where it's wetter" ><((((º> ><((((º> Current Tank Info: 120 gallon reef, 2x175W MH and 2x40W actinic

07/19/2005, 07:20 AM	#6
crash519 Premium Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Carrollton, Texas Posts: 474	You can also go this route: Inline Probe Holder __________________ Bret Carrollton, Texas Current Tank Info: 115 Flatbacked Hex, 6-54w T5 Retro

05/06/2005, 06:31 AM	#2
bond007069 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2003 Posts: 2,193	cool.. nice idea

07/19/2005, 07:40 AM	#7
wakefreak33 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: SMU (Dallas) Posts: 196	Does anyone know the thickness of the milwaukie pH probe. This is exactly what I have been looking for.

07/19/2005, 09:29 AM	#9
thereefgeek Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Folsom Posts: 2,217	They're also at Home Depot in the electrical isle for about $3 each.

07/19/2005, 01:38 PM	#11
TroyPierce Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 759	Dang! That's the story of my life. Spend $12, think I'm getting a reasonable deal and then find them at Home Depot for a quarter of the cost. __________________ "Everythings better, down where it's wetter" ><((((º> ><((((º> Current Tank Info: 120 gallon reef, 2x175W MH and 2x40W actinic

07/19/2005, 05:21 PM	#13
kabboord Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: St. Pete, Florida Posts: 557	Hey, not to hi-jack... I think this is kind of a co-jacking... I''ve been cutting my teeth on some real basic arcylic work (hoping one day to work my way up to sumps) but I've been making like probe holders and little things to hold all the tubes that come into and out of my sump for top off and calcium reactors and what not... I've started using the rigid tubing that they use for RO systems.. .and I saw on someone's picture where the used something like those cable holders connected to a little acrylic thing that hangs ont he edge of the sump... are those what they used? has anyone used those for this purpose? Does anyone know what size cable holder would be needed for ID 1\4 and ID 1\2 rigid tube? Thanks __________________ Where is my mind? Where is my mind? Where is my mind? Way out in the waters, see it swimmin? I was swimmin in the carribean, animals were hiding behind the rock, except the little fish... Current Tank Info: 90 Gallon Reef

07/19/2005, 05:34 PM	#14
Joey French Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Columbia,S.C. Posts: 114	Just did this last weekend. Surprising to see it pop up here now, thought I was onto something!

07/20/2005, 09:29 AM	#15
peezee Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 489	$1.50 at your local Home Depot. __________________ Paul Current Tank Info: Looking for 60gal cube

07/20/2005, 11:25 AM	#16
TroyPierce Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 759	go ahead, rub it in. I"m sure that my $12 ones will be much prettier! __________________ "Everythings better, down where it's wetter" ><((((º> ><((((º> Current Tank Info: 120 gallon reef, 2x175W MH and 2x40W actinic

07/20/2005, 11:36 AM	#17
peezee Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 489	Sorry about adding insult to injury. Didn't mean to. Pretty sure yours will be much prettier than mine. Would like to see it when you receive it. __________________ Paul Current Tank Info: Looking for 60gal cube Last edited by peezee; 07/20/2005 at 12:14 PM.

07/23/2005, 02:08 PM	#18
RicoJ Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: El Paso, TX, USA Posts: 1,549	Does anyone what size I should purchase for a pinpoint probe?

07/23/2005, 04:08 PM	#19
TroyPierce Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: Baltimore, Maryland Posts: 759	The one that seals about a half inch. __________________ "Everythings better, down where it's wetter" ><((((º> ><((((º> Current Tank Info: 120 gallon reef, 2x175W MH and 2x40W actinic

08/18/2005, 09:36 PM	#20
Chrisrush Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 2,754	Peezee, Do you have a part number or skq number for that at HD? I couldn't find it locally. Thanks, Chris __________________ Thanks, Chris Current Tank Info: 2015 Reef Savvy Dream Tank Winner

08/19/2005, 12:04 AM	#21
causeofhim Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Janesville, WI Posts: 1,379	Home Depot, here I come.

08/19/2005, 07:54 AM	#22
Chrisrush Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 2,754	Causeofhim, Let me know if you find them and the sku or part # associated with the cord grips. Thanks, Chris __________________ Thanks, Chris Current Tank Info: 2015 Reef Savvy Dream Tank Winner

08/20/2005, 11:19 AM	#23
causeofhim Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Janesville, WI Posts: 1,379	The ones at Home Depot are a bit different. Probably because they are made for waterproof electical fittings and not for plumbing. I'll try it out and see if it will work. Part # LN43DA SKU 0 34481 04392 8

08/20/2005, 11:21 AM	#24
causeofhim Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Janesville, WI Posts: 1,379	Actually I just looked at peezee's post. If you got yours at HD can you tell me where you found it? What departrmant? That is totally different than the electrical fittings. Half the price as well.

08/20/2005, 06:09 PM	#25
peezee Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Burbank, CA Posts: 489	Ill go to home depot tonight and get the sku for you guys. Now if i remember what aisle it was on. hahah jk. I should be able to find it again. __________________ Paul Current Tank Info: Looking for 60gal cube