Digital salinity/specific gravity meters?

My eyesight isn't the best and I've noticed it's tough to accurately read my refractometer. So, I have been on the lookout for a reasonably priced but good quality digital salinity meter.

I was wondering if anyone has one & what your thoughts/experiences were. I have read some complaints that some of them had to be calibrated too often, not sure if that was just isolated.

I was trying to find the Aquamate 3 in 1 but not having any luck, not sure if it's still made: Amazon.com: Aquamate Reef Temperature Salinity Specific Gravity Meter: Kitchen & Dining

Thanks in advance,
Joe

 

53.0 micro-Siemen's calibration fluid is so inexpensive these days that calibration isn't hard to do. Have you considered just going with a full blown conductivity meter that is running non-stop? Pinpoint, Hanna, Hach, Extech and other make them for the hobby

 

I haven't, this is the first time I'm actively looking up digital meters and such. I don't know at all what's out there, but trying to stay within a reasonable budget of $100 or under for one without sacrificing quality.

 

This is pretty close to your budget.
AmeAmerican Marine Pinpoint Salinity Monitor - English

 

Thanks for the link, looks like unfortunately out of stock, but I will keep my eye on it.

Maybe some other folks may chime in that have one or have another brand.

 

Well there are lots of other suppliers of that brand of monitor, just google search it.

 

I use the pinpoint meter. I dont remember how much but im thinking about $100. Its kinda expensive for something so easy like SG but its reliable, consistent and you get a quick reading with no guessing. I really like mine, the probe sits in the sump 24/7 so all i have to do is turn on my meter... pretty easy. had it for 2 years now and have calibrated it maybe 5 times, the calibration solution is easy to use and cheap. havnt had any issues with SG since. Milwaukee makes one too. And I think conductivity meters will be a pretty penny $$$$.

 

Appreciate your input, have you had any electrical interference with it? I noticed some reviews had issues with it. Since I would most likely just use it with the 9-volt, thinking I'll be fine.

 

I have 0 experience with this... but, I do have a reef buddy that has one. He says it works but after a week he can no longer trust it and has to recalibrate it and that the little probe thing wears out faster than advertised.


If you don't mind the calibration steps and replacing the probe 2-3x a year (based on this one guys experience that I am relaying third person) I'd say go for it...

I do plan on trying it myself after the upgrade.

 

you could also do a controller like the RKL ($99)w/salinity module ($69).$170 kinda outta your price range but your getting way more for your money,as you can continue to expand if needed