How long do apex temperature probes last?

[fishybizzness]

Title says it all! How often do you think the apex temperature probe should be replaced? Mine is over a year old and lately I've been having to calibrate it every other week or so as it seems to drift a degree or 2. I'm just wondering what other people's experience is with the lifespan of the temperature probe and what your thoughts are on replacement time frame. Thanks

 

[Waters]

I am not sure the exact time frame but mine is almost 3 years old and has never been calibrated....still tests spot on.

 

[Ben Pedersen]

Mine is well over 10 years and still working great.

 

[Juniorh2r]

Same here. I've had my apex since 2018 and all my probes are still spot on.

 

[reefinnewb]

Mine is three years old and spot on.

 

[BostonReefer300]

I've had mine for 10 years and it does drift a little (a few tenths of a degree) so I calibrate it twice a year because I'm a stickler. If you're calibrating that much, I'd suggest you contact Neptune support asap and ask them about it. Temperature is not something you want to have at risk in a reef tank obviously. Anyway, before you call, I'd suggest carefully inspecting both the probe itself and the wire for damage or severe kinking. I'm also pretty sure I recall reading that electrical interference can cause issues with the Apex temp probe---but I can't remember where I read that. Do you have it plugged in directly to your base station or into another module? Lots of other wires around it? Is the probe near a heating element or pump?

 

[paul01609]

Mine must be a good 5 year old but crapped out last week

 

[rustyreefer]

2 years old and never had to recalibrate

 

[ZoWhat]

What are you guys using to calibrate?

 

[rezaktp]

10+ years and reading well

 

[fishybizzness]

I've had mine for 10 years and it does drift a little (a few tenths of a degree) so I calibrate it twice a year because I'm a stickler. If you're calibrating that much, I'd suggest you contact Neptune support asap and ask them about it. Temperature is not something you want to have at risk in a reef tank obviously. Anyway, before you call, I'd suggest carefully inspecting both the probe itself and the wire for damage or severe kinking. I'm also pretty sure I recall reading that electrical interference can cause issues with the Apex temp probe---but I can't remember where I read that. Do you have it plugged in directly to your base station or into another module? Lots of other wires around it? Is the probe near a heating element or pump?

I'll have to check to see what wires it's routed next to. It is plugged directly into the base station.

 

[fishybizzness]

What are you guys using to calibrate?

 

[BostonReefer300]

What are you guys using to calibrate?

I used this. It's calibration is certified and the long probe makes sampling much easier with my setup. I replace my reference thermometer every few years with a new certified version.

 

[DH78]

I used this. It's calibration is certified and the long probe makes sampling much easier with my setup. I replace my reference thermometer every few years with a new certified version.

That’s what I use as well. Although, I haven’t had to replace mine as I verify it every six months with a calibration machine I have at work for our food safety thermometers.

 

[DH78]

One thing to consider once you get your probe working again is if you use a certified thermometer to check the temp and the probe is at the proper temp, their is no need to actually recalibrate it. Why mess with it if it’s working?