Best EC/mS Meter For Limewater Measurement?

[mcarroll]

This poll involves some models of conductivity tester that were suggested to me here as well as some I've bumped into from researching.

They are not directly comparable to one another since they range from single-function one-piece dip-meters to multifunction, corded handhelds. I'm looking for an overall value/quality recommendation.

My primary goal is to have a meter to gauge when my kalkwasser reactor needs to be recharged, so being able to read above 10.0 mS/cm is a must. Measuring in mS/cm is also a must.

The HM Digital EC-3M appears to read above 9.99 mS, just at a lower precision. Does anyone know if/how this works or if I mis-read their site? Will it read over 9.99 mS?

The Reefkeeper Salinity probe was recommended, but it appears to read in ppm, not mS. Does this still work fine for my purpose? I do have an RKL with an available port for the module.

Are there any options I should look at which are not listed in the poll? Any other concerns I should weigh before deciding?

Thanks in advance!!

Here're some manufacturer links to get you started!

• Pinpoint Salinity Meter
• Hanna DiST 4
• Hanna HI98130
• Milwaukee EC60
• HM Digital EC-3M
• Digital Aquatics SL2vs and Salinity Probe
• Hach Pocket Pro High Range
• Hach Pocket Pro+ Multi1
• Hach Pocket Pro+ Multi2

 

[mcarroll]

Bump for the late night poll!

 

[mcarroll]

Maybe this'll just be a collection of thoughts.

The Hach meters seem nice, but they want close to $20 for shipping. I can get a combo unit for $5 with free shipping imported directly from China just for me, but getting a meter from Hach costs $20 to get it from them (in Colorado!) to me. How's that for modern tragedy?

The HM Digital has the bargain, but I'm not certain it's range goes high enough. Hanna's DiST 4 is a close second in the bargain category and probably my initial favorite.

The Milwaukee combo unit seems like a good value, for a combo unit.

The rest are generally around twice as money as I was planning to spend, but all are still attractive for various reasons. Gonna have to digest those options some more.

 

[mcarroll]

I found that Grainger (up the street from me) has the DiST 4 on clearance for $33! At that rate, I think we have a winner. May even pick it up tomorrow - take that Amazon!

 

[john.m.cole3]

Oh wow! Never knew anything like this existed. In regards to the Hanna DIST 4, is this what you still use? what values on the checker do you see and know when it is time to load up the kalk again. I've always done mine based off my alk reading from a salifert kit.

 

[mcarroll]

It goes to zero pretty fast, so there's not much question when it needs to be charged.....and I think fully saturated limewater is about 11.0 off the top of my head.

 

[john.m.cole3]

It goes to zero pretty fast, so there's not much question when it needs to be charged.....and I think fully saturated limewater is about 11.0 off the top of my head.

that;s the info i was looking for. It looks like the hanna measures TDS also, so double win!

 

[mcarroll]

They have combo meters that have upwards of 4 or 6 parameters they can measure if you're all about it!

 

[john.m.cole3]

They have combo meters that have upwards of 4 or 6 parameters they can measure if you're all about it!

eh... I like my salifert kits. how often does this have to be calibrated. I hope it's not as finicky as the ph checker from them...

 

[mcarroll]

Measuring Kalk/Lime Reactor Output - Just Do It!

 

[dragon99]

I'm going to try using my Apex conductivity meter in my ATO. My tank salinity doesn't really change, so it's kinda wasted sitting in the tank.

If that doesn't pan out, I'll probably buy this meter (since Hanna isn't on Amazon, gotta get that cashback)
https://www.amazon.com/Oakton-Water...UTF8&qid=1476888547&sr=8-30&keywords=ec+meter

All of the cheap EC meters on Amazon max out at 10ms/cm it seems.