I tried looking for one just like OP and searched many forums and sites, but didn't find many options under $200. So I decided to try out one of the chinese ph monitor from aliexpress for about $50. It is called "Caperplus PH monitor Q1". They also have Q2 version which also measures TDS (not very useful for reefers)
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003553679320.html?channel=twinner
Been using it for a few weeks and so far so good and I figured I will share with other reefers who don't want to spend a lot just for PH monitor that continuously monitor PH.
Here is my experience.
Pros:
- It keeps track of PH and temp through out the day and you can view it on the app. (it keeps track of at least 30 days in the past, or may be more)
- You can view the ph and temp of ur tank from anywhere.
- App is easy to set up, and easy to navigate through. wifi is easy to connect. Took me like 3 mins to set it up.
- Calibration was easy. Came with calibration liquid bottles. Probe is easily replaceable in the future. Probe came protected in a bottle with storage solution.
- Tested it and got push notification when PH or temp goes out of the set range.
Cons:
- THIS IS A BIG ONE. I could not find the app on the apple app store searching in English. I needed to ask someone who knows Chinese to search in chinese language to find the app. It is in US app store and most of the countries, just the app title is only in Chinese (so dumb and easily fixable by the developer if they wanted to). So if you don't know how to type chinese characters on ur phone, you are out of luck. LOL. Once you install the app, it is easily navigable in English. I don't know Chinese at all and I can use the app without any problem.
- If you want temp in F, it doesn't work very well as in some pages, it is shown in C and some in F. It is a bug in the app. So best to leave it in C.
