[ChuckM]

Hi all,
I was gifted an older Milwaukee SMS122 pH controller. It's been sitting in a closed bin for at least a year and the probe is completely dry. I havn't plugged it in yet and expect if I'm going to give it a shot I'll need to spring for the "PH-START' kit of cleaning, reference and storage solutions (US$46) at a minimum. I'm expecting, worst case, I'll probably have to spring for a new probe. This would attach to a Milwaukee MA957 regulator and CO2Art Bazooka diffuser (love this!) on a 65 gallon planted community tank, lightly planted for now but in a very bright room. Currently watching CO2 with a drop checker, which I know has it's limitations.

I've scanned all the posts here and elsewhere on this device and am finding very mixed reports on it (Tom Barr totally panned it). So before I start putting money into this I'm hoping to get some real-world evals here. Yeas or nays?

 

[ChuckM]

A friendly bump to give another view.

 

[dinokath]

I use one. Have had it for years and it works well for me. I calibrate it every six months or so and it is always within 0.2 of the reference solution. Replaced the probe twice in I would have to say is the last 10 years. No complaints out of me on it. It stays in the tank 24/7. I use calibration powders off Amazon so it doesn't cost too much and I calibrate all the pH meters I have when I mix them up so that helps save a bit and they all are within 0.2 of each other. Close enough for government work at least. If the probe's been out of storage solution for any length of time, it's probably shot and should be replaced.

Have the same regulator you have as well. Works fine, have had to rehab the solenoid and replace the bubble counter but the regulator itself has been pretty solid.