Best, most reliable salinity and pH digital meter?

[Whynotme]

Been using an Orapxi from Amazon, but the pH testing seems all over the place. I place in the water sample and it reads 7.4. So I take it out, shake it off and put it in again and it instantly goes to 7.6 Do it again, now it's 7.8 I've calibrated twice. What digital salinity/pH meters do you find to be most accurate and reliable? Thanks

 

[JamesW]

PC60 Premium Multiparameter (pH/EC/TDS/Salinity/Temperature) Pocket Tester/Meter Kit-Apera Instruments

The Apera Instruments PC60 Multi-parameter Tester/Meter simply tests pH/EC/TDS/Salinity/Temperature for regular aqueous solutions such as hydroponics, aquaculture, pools& spas, tap/drinking water, water treatment, cooling towers, etc.

aperainst.com

PC60 Premium Multiparameter (pH/EC/TDS/Salinity/Temp.) Pocket Tester Kit




Simultaneously tests pH/EC/TDS/Salinity/Temperature in a quick, accurate, and reliable manner.

EASY-TO-INSTALL Replaceable Multi-parameter Probe with single-tap measuring mode switch.

Auto recognition of stable values (with optional AUTO HOLD function) improves consistency so you don't have to guess when to manually hold measurement.

LARGE CLEAR viewing angle screen with 2 backlit color (indicating 2 different modes), dual display of temp./pH/EC/TDS/Salinity, and indications of completed calibrations and stable readings.

COMPLETE KIT with READY-TO-USE calibration solutions, calibration bottles, storage solutions, AAA batteries, and a lanyard all in a portable carrying case.

 

[wmarq]

Been using an Orapxi from Amazon, but the pH testing seems all over the place. I place in the water sample and it reads 7.4. So I take it out, shake it off and put it in again and it instantly goes to 7.6 Do it again, now it's 7.8 I've calibrated twice. What digital salinity/pH meters do you find to be most accurate and reliable? Thanks

C-600 pH + Salt Meter

tftestkits.net

 

[Bperry]

Been using an Orapxi from Amazon, but the pH testing seems all over the place. I place in the water sample and it reads 7.4. So I take it out, shake it off and put it in again and it instantly goes to 7.6 Do it again, now it's 7.8 I've calibrated twice. What digital salinity/pH meters do you find to be most accurate and reliable? Thanks

Hint: the phenol red drop tests don’t require fancy calibration or batteries and are plenty accurate for pool water.

 

[Whynotme]

Hint: the phenol red drop tests don’t require fancy calibration or batteries and are plenty accurate for pool water.

I do test that way every time, but I feel like a meter should be more detailed in result than the color-matching result in the Taylor kits.

 

[wmarq]

I do test that way every time, but I feel like a meter should be more detailed in result than the color-matching result in the Taylor kits.

I used the meter to train myself to trust the drop test. Used both every day for awhile until I got used to what color was exactly that particular PH. Only reason I got it and it worked/works great.

 

[Bperry]

I do test that way every time, but I feel like a meter should be more detailed in result than the color-matching result in the Taylor kits.

Yea, it does feel like that but having to calibrate the meter, clean it with special solution and then store it in special solution sounds like way too much work.

 

[mas985]

This is the meter that I use along with the calibration solution. I have been using this for over 3 years and every time I calibrate it, it is only out by a few ppm so it retains calibration very well.

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

 

[revitup]

I do test that way every time, but I feel like a meter should be more detailed in result than the color-matching result in the Taylor kits.

I used to feel that way too. Spent 4 years trying to convince myself that the meter was easier and more accurate and worth the hassle. Finally got sick of waiting for the meter to stabilize along with the calibrations and tip replacements. Began using the phenol red test and it’s 100% quicker and easier. Is the ph 7.7? 7.8? 7.9? Who cares! It’s all good.

 

[AUSpool]

This is the meter that I use along with the calibration solution. I have been using this for over 3 years and every time I calibrate it, it is only out by a few ppm so it retains calibration very well.

Amazon.com

Amazon.com

When I clicked on the calibration fluid link it costs US$369.00. Direct from eSeasoGear its US$14.99. Probably just the international exchange rates and shipping for me.

One thing I noticed though is that the pic shows them dipping the meter directly into calibration fluid which will contaminate the fluid. I use a shot glass and discard the small amount after calibration.

 

[AUSpool]

Given the cost of a pool and equipment I think you should be expecting to pay a minimum $100 for a meter and maybe close to the same for the calibration fluid. A pH meter requires more fluids than a salt meter. I’m not a fan of multi parameter meters, generally a salt meter wants to be rinsed and stored dry while a pH meter wants to be stored wet in a KCl solution. It’s a good idea to keep some alcohol for cleaning and demineralized water for rinsing. Tap water has both calcium and bicarbonates that can deposit on the tip.

With a calibrated salt meter I make up a reference solution with demineralised water and a little salt. It dosent need to be any specific value, anything close to the operating value is fine as long as I know what it is. I can then use the reference solution regularly to keep track of my calibration without using the more expensive calibration fluid.