Conductivity Probes

[Josh]

Does anyone have experience with conductivity probes?

I am trying to troubleshoot a PH probe calibration issue and the manufacturer claims that there is stray voltage in the tank. I used a multimeter but apparently the sensitivity is not good enough to detect the levels I am looking for.

First up, does anyone have a probe that I can use?

Second, has anyone tested the cheap probes ($30) against the lab grade probes ($130)?

Thanks!

 

[jrobbins]

if there was stray voltage wouldn't it trip your gfci? i would think that's the easiest way...

 

[Josh]

if there was stray voltage wouldn't it trip your gfci? i would think that's the easiest way...

No, it's not a direct 110v leak, it could be coming from another low voltage device in the system (like another probe for example).

 

[jrobbins]

maybe try it in a cup of water outside the tank? see if you still have issues?

 

[ming]

I know I have a slight stray voltage in my tank, but its not enough to set off the GFCI, but it doesn't seem to have any impact on my PH probe either. I gave up trying to figure out whats leaking, my SPS seem to be growing pretty well regardless

 

[Solace Aquatics LLC]

Do you have a ground probe? If so, remove it, it can be the source of the stray voltage, especially in the city.

 

[pecan2phat]

Josh, if you are refering to the conductivity probe, cali_reef had a number of Neptune conductivity probes on his AC3 Pro and it never worked correctly for very long. Even the Pinpoint salinity monitor needs constant calibration.

 

[juiceguy]

I gave up on buying the Lab grade probes being that you still have to swap them out on a timely basis.....IMO save the $ on the Lab grade probes and buy 2 of the inexpensive 1's. if stray voltage is an issue, just buy a grounding probe and that should eliminate that problem.

 

[Josh]

Do you have a ground probe? If so, remove it, it can be the source of the stray voltage, especially in the city.

LEO YOU ARE THE MAN!!!! Removing the grounding plug eliminated the calibration issue I was facing!