Which brand of pH Controller do you use?

[kcrossley]

I'm curious to see if there's a favorite pH Controller brand amongst our members? Please indicate what brand you use, if any. Feel free to post any comments here that may be helpful to others considering a pH Controller.

[kcrossley]

Also, is there any problem with buying an AquaticLife pH Controller / ORP Monitor and not using the ORP Monitor functionality, or should I stick with a device that strictly works as a pH Controller? There are a few good deals floating around on a pH Controller/ORP Monitor.

[northey87]

I will be using a Digital Aquatics RKE to control my Co2.

[tyler79durdan]

Kelly If you look at my album, you will see the AL controller and I use it without the OPR, no problems here, and this controller is the cream of the crop, compared to the sms and American marine controllers ive tried!

[kcrossley]

How do I look at your album?

[GTR]

I've used several in the past. The weakest link is the probe. They all need replacing in 9-12 months and constant calibration. It's also suggested that you recalibrate any time the power to the unit is shut off.

[Oreo]

For the record, I just ordered the same AquaticLife pH controller / ORP monitor you asked about. Never used a pH controller on an aquarium but I have plenty of professional experience with Hach brand equipment. (I work as a water treatment plant operator.)

What GTR says about the probes being the weak link is essentially true. I expect the AquaticLife meter to be as good as any similar product marketed towards aquarium enthusiasts, but not on the quality level of industrial equipment like Hach. The advantage of the AquaticLife product is the price, considering it comes with both the pH and ORP probes. It doesn't have automatic temperature compensation but I don't think it's necessary since most aquariums are temperature controlled.

I do know that Hach and a few other industrial grade lab equipment manufacturers make many different pH probes intended for specific types of use. Some are very expensive ($600+, just the probe!) but they will be far more accurate, consistent, require less calibration, last longer, etc. Some can be user-serviced & reconditioned. As long as they use a BNC connector, they should all work just fine with our AquaticLife meter. Basically, what I'm trying to say is that in a year, it will be worth your time & money to consider a higher quality probe ~ $100 - $150.

[discusonly]

I use the Neptune Aquacontroller 3. It's working great and I can pretty much control it from anywhere.

[Motaka]

I got a Pinpoint.

[chad320]

pinpoint. youll find that they are useless and a waste of $$ once you figure out where your tank is at. even for co2, youll get used to it. use it, get used to it, then sell it.

[Oreo]

That doesn't sound like a good idea. First time you tear down & redo your aquarium, or replant, or do a major water change it will be helpful to have that pH meter around.

I run a constant tap-water drip system. For me the pH meter will be just as much a precaution as a CO2 controller. As long as the AL pH meter works well, it will be a permanent addition.

[Oreo]

I found a GREAT website that explains in plain language everything you'd ever want to know about pH probes / meters. They also have a long list of pH probe manufacturers.

http://www.ph-meter.info/pH-electrode-producers

[fooledyas]

dont use one now but when i did i really liked the pinpoint

[ColeMan]

I use an aquacontroller that I quite enjoy....Being exceptionally busy all the time means that there are no "surprises" with the tank, and the AC help me just sort of leave the tank on autopilot. In my opinion, however, pH controllers, though a potential convenience, are largely unnecessary and can be more of a burden than a help for some. I've often encountered people who get so caught up in monitoring the numbers that appear that they literally lose sleep over fluctuating pH values. I think a drop checker is plenty sufficient for most planted tank enthusiasts needs.

[Yokomo99]

I use a Neptune Aquacontroller JR. It controls all of my aquarium functions. I can also monitor the tank from my computer.

Matt