Novel solution to finicky conductivity probe

[jgvergo]

My salinity (conductivity) probe has been a bear to get working. I have an Apex (which I love) but my salinity probe always "drifted" quite a bit, sometimes reading 20 when my refractometer read 35. I tried locating it in different parts of the sump, especially in low flow areas as suggested by Neptune, all to no avail. Then I had this idea:

The probe is mounted upside down in a HIGH flow part of the sump. However, there are very few bubbles in the area. The top of the probe is about 1 inch below the surface. I think the constant high flow knocks any bubbles of the probe. So far, it is holding steady and it seems perfectly calibrated with my refractometer. Just thought I'd share

 

[CodyRVA]

Nice!

 

[ngvu1]

LOL. nice find. on the side note, I thought I read somewhere that it is not recommended to submerge the probes (PH, ORP, Conductiviry) 100% under water except the temp probe!!!! That guys is wrong if you ask me hahahaha!

 

[jgvergo]

LOL. nice find. on the side note, I thought I read somewhere that it is not recommended to submerge the probes (PH, ORP, Conductiviry) 100% under water except the temp probe!!!! That guys is wrong if you ask me hahahaha!

From the Apex manual:

Probe Placement Probes can be placed anywhere in your tank or sump. It is not necessary to keep your temperature probe next to your pH probe as was the requirement with the older AC line of controllers. Probes can be fully or partially submerged as they are all fully sealed against water, however the cable insulation can become brittle with constant immersion in salt water.
​

...so, I'm going to apply some silicon sealant to the probe cable and stick with this solution.

 

[jgvergo]

LOL. nice find. on the side note, I thought I read somewhere that it is not recommended to submerge the probes (PH, ORP, Conductiviry) 100% under water except the temp probe!!!! That guys is wrong if you ask me hahahaha!

From the Apex manual:

Probe Placement Probes can be placed anywhere in your tank or sump. It is not necessary to keep your temperature probe next to your pH probe as was the requirement with the older AC line of controllers. Probes can be fully or partially submerged as they are all fully sealed against water, however the cable insulation can become brittle with constant immersion in salt water.
​

...so, I'm going to apply some silicon sealant to the probe cable and stick with this solution.

 

[jsker]

I completely let the probe dry out for 8 hr and re-calibrated it. It work fine after that. I took the inspiration from your setup and relocated and built a sump.

 

[jgvergo]

I completely let the probe dry out for 8 hr and re-calibrated it. It work fine after that. I took the inspiration from your setup and relocated and built a sump.

jsker, I did a couple of dry out/recalibration attempts but I was getting bubble on the probe no matter where I put it so I tried the upside down technique.

I have to sat I am *really* happy I was able to inspire you. I got tons of help here on R2R, including you. It's really nice to share what I'm learning!

 

[jsker]

I had the probes in the DT by a power head with out an issue. I kind had it on a tilt. Last week I moved the probes to the sump. I did read some where in the manual, is not to run the cable next to lines, such a electric or pumps for the reson that is would through of the condivity readings. The rest of the probes were fine.
I did not take the time to run the colored pic

 

[n2585722]

Mine is an Archon setup, but I have my salinity probe positioned with the tip pointed up in the sump. This seems to work best. It has been stable for the last 6 months this way.

 

[jgvergo]

Mine is an Archon setup, but I have my salinity probe positioned with the tip pointed up in the sump. This seems to work best. It has been stable for the last 6 months this way.

I wonder how many closet upside-downers are lurking out there?

 

[n2585722]

I would have to assume there are several.

 

[CuseReefer]

HA! This is actually a dang good idea! I'll have to try it.