Salinity Probes that work with the Apex

[CBonito]

If the hope is that there are economical alternatives that somehow work better than the Neptune probe ….. prepare to be disappointed. As far as I know, they all work in the same way and are vulnerable to the same problems. The best answer is to find a spot that is well isolated. I know at least one person that mounts the probe pointing up so that air bubbles do not collect.

Exactly. I have to give that probe a whack every few days or it goes off on a doo doo tangent and gets me mad.

 

[Tony73]

it worked for a few days and start to loosing the accuracy .... Check the images attached its the SALT_AQ.

Should I calibrate again ? Its on the same place since day one.

3 Day

7th Day

10th Day

And now?

 

[A3LXK]

Received the CJS-10 conductivity probe today. Cut the original connector and cord from the old original probe and solder this to the new probe. Just calibrated the probe manually, automated calibration did not worked in my case. It looks like the probe is doing what it is supposed to do. My salinity is a little low 32% and with e fresh calibrated refractometer it is also 32%. So far so good.

Well, I was celebrate to soon.. Probe is very bad. Readings went al over the place, Can't calibrate anymore. Further inspection shows small cracks in the sensor area. 40 bucks down the drain

 

[HighlandReef]

I just ordered one and will have to see if I have any luck with it long term.
Looks like shipping is going to take a few weeks, will report back once I get the probe and all.

 

[fishdoctor]

I just received and set up one of the above mentioned aliexpress x10 probes. It was not as pictured online and has an open glass probe tip that is extra delicate so be careful. It was packed decently in a plastic box with a foam insert and arrived in about 2 weeks tops. I cut the original Neptune probe and shrink wrapped after twisting wires, then sealed with self adhesive silicon tape. Well worth the $33 and the time involved to save $150 in my opinion.. do it.. happy reefing all.

 

[e-sully]

I received this probe from AliExpress (Alvin Instrument). The seller was nice enough to presolder it to a DIN connector. Unfortunatelty, there was some confusion and he soldered to a full size DIN 4pin and not a mini DIN 4pin. I purchased some new mini DIN 4pin connectors and soldered them myself. https://a.co/d/dHf4cP2. Seems to be working well after a few days. I suggested to the seller to sell these directly with the mini DIN 4pin and a longer cord. Seemed like it might happen.

 

[Tony73]

I received this probe from AliExpress (Alvin Instrument). The seller was nice enough to presolder it to a DIN connector. Unfortunatelty, there was some confusion and he soldered to a full size DIN 4pin and not a mini DIN 4pin. I purchased some new mini DIN 4pin connectors and soldered them myself. https://a.co/d/dHf4cP2. Seems to be working well after a few days.

Same vendita and some.issue

Now i'm soldering with Mini Din 4

 

[Tony73]

I received this probe from AliExpress (Alvin Instrument). The seller was nice enough to presolder it to a DIN connector. Unfortunatelty, there was some confusion and he soldered to a full size DIN 4pin and not a mini DIN 4pin. I purchased some new mini DIN 4pin connectors and soldered them myself. https://a.co/d/dHf4cP2. Seems to be working well after a few days. I suggested to the seller to sell these directly with the mini DIN 4pin and a longer cord. Seemed like it might happen.

How Is goong After some days?

 

[Tony73]

I received this probe from AliExpress (Alvin Instrument). The seller was nice enough to presolder it to a DIN connector. Unfortunatelty, there was some confusion and he soldered to a full size DIN 4pin and not a mini DIN 4pin. I purchased some new mini DIN 4pin connectors and soldered them myself. https://a.co/d/dHf4cP2. Seems to be working well after a few days. I suggested to the seller to sell these directly with the mini DIN 4pin and a longer cord. Seemed like it might happen.

How Is goong After some days?

 

[HighlandReef]

My salinity probe arrived today from AliExpress, wired it up and appears to be working. I’m waiting for my calibration solution to come in, can’t calibrate until then. I may try calling a few LFS in my area to see if they have some in stock.
I’ll post up when I get the calibration solution but rewiring the probe to the instructions on this post is correct.
You can also use a standard 6ft S video cable, just cut one end off and wire it up, standard s video cable uses mini din 4-pin connector and will give you some extra length. I had an extra and just used that.
You can also get them on amazon.

 

[juarec0201]

@HighlandReef which probe did you order ?

 

[HighlandReef]

@HighlandReef which probe did you order ?

It’s the one from Alvin instruments,
Just make sure to pick the cell constant 10 from the options.

 

[juarec0201]

@HighlandReef in terms of quality compared to the Neptune probe how is it first thoughts ?

 

[HighlandReef]

@HighlandReef in terms of quality compared to the Neptune probe how is it first thoughts ?

Initially quality looks to be fine but have not had it long enough to really say 4 sure

 

[HighlandReef]

Calibration fluid arrived today and calibrated the probe.
Probe was pretty easy to calibrate and it is reading good. Now will give it a few weeks and see. I will report back in a few weeks and/or if I have any issues.
So far, so good.

 

[SaltySteven]

Does anyone know if there is a cheaper solution for the salinity probes? The only ones I have seen have been in the $120 range and the Neptune salinity probe has bad reviews.

Any info on cheaper or even just better probes for the price is much appreciated. Thanks.

i have never had any issues with my neptune salinity probe

 

[Jessereef]

Does anyone know if there is a cheaper solution for the salinity probes? The only ones I have seen have been in the $120 range and the Neptune salinity probe has bad reviews.

Any info on cheaper or even just better probes for the price is much appreciated. Thanks.

Hanna tester is the best

 

[Tony73]

I Will install this weekend my probe coming from AliExpress (Alvin).
Liquid calibration got, i got also SPS KIT VCA

 

[Tony73]

Got this errore with Probe AliExpress

What could be?

 

[A3LXK]

Wrong connection or bad soldering. Wrong soldering, maybe