Sharing my experience with the Apera 5052 Saltwater Salinity Tester and why I would not recommend it at this time.
Information from the Apera website:
It appears they made a data entry or conversion error when entering the equivalent PPT calibration point into the device. The end result is the device could worst case read +2.5% accuracy of the actual solution.
I have contacted them on this issue and have gone several rounds of emails. I won't get into all the specific details but some of the responses were a little disconcerting from a manufacturer of scientific instruments. Now this could just be the person I was dealing with directly as I have no idea what their technical background is. The last correspondence I had with them they are insisting that their conversion from 50 mS/cm to 33.7 PPT is correct. I did follow up one last time and I am awaiting their response.
The second issue is the stated time to get a stable reading in 10 seconds. I find that the device takes anywhere from 60 to 90 seconds to obtain a stable reading. I believe this is due to the device coming up to temperature of the tank water. When I place the device in to my other tank, following the first tank, the device has a stable reading within 20 to 30 seconds. Not sure if these reading times are in line with other devices out there. I don't mind the time it takes, just pointing out the discrepancy.
The good, I have found the device to be very consistent and reads what my controller salinity probe reads.
What I have done is made a 33.7 PPT (51.3 mS/cm) solution to calibrate this device.
I intend on continued use of the device and will post up any updates I hear back from them.
Information from the Apera website:
- Dip and test - the easiest way to get reliable saltwater salinity readings (range: 0-100 ppt; accuracy:1.5% of full range)
- Apera's unique platinum-coated sensor with automatic temperature compensation (32 to 140˚F) ensures accuracy and precision
- Standardized against the normal standard seawater (s = 35), accurately calibrated in conductivity ratio (K15) and in salinity
- Designed for saltwater aquariums, fish farms, and environmental monitoring
- Single-button easy operation. Calibration is only needed once a month
- The dip-and-test is the easiest way to get reliable saltwater salinity readings (vs. hydrometers and refractometers). Sampling test is not required. Simply dip the meter into saltwater and get stable readings in 10 seconds. No need for rinsing between each test.
It appears they made a data entry or conversion error when entering the equivalent PPT calibration point into the device. The end result is the device could worst case read +2.5% accuracy of the actual solution.
I have contacted them on this issue and have gone several rounds of emails. I won't get into all the specific details but some of the responses were a little disconcerting from a manufacturer of scientific instruments. Now this could just be the person I was dealing with directly as I have no idea what their technical background is. The last correspondence I had with them they are insisting that their conversion from 50 mS/cm to 33.7 PPT is correct. I did follow up one last time and I am awaiting their response.
The second issue is the stated time to get a stable reading in 10 seconds. I find that the device takes anywhere from 60 to 90 seconds to obtain a stable reading. I believe this is due to the device coming up to temperature of the tank water. When I place the device in to my other tank, following the first tank, the device has a stable reading within 20 to 30 seconds. Not sure if these reading times are in line with other devices out there. I don't mind the time it takes, just pointing out the discrepancy.
The good, I have found the device to be very consistent and reads what my controller salinity probe reads.
What I have done is made a 33.7 PPT (51.3 mS/cm) solution to calibrate this device.
I intend on continued use of the device and will post up any updates I hear back from them.
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