Apex PM1 or PM2

[redstang]

If you could only choose one would you try to monitor ph or conductivity? Also, which probe would you go with? Do I have to go with the Neptune one or does some other company make a better value one that would work?

Thanks!

 

[lilrobb]

Would you rather drive a Ferrari or a F350 Dually?

well - it depends what you want to achieve.

The Apex base comes with a pH port - so unless you need a 2nd one, I say PM2 - but again, it depends what you want to monitor...

 

[redstang]

LilRobb;682512 wrote: Would you rather drive a Ferrari or a F350 Dually?

well - it depends what you want to achieve.

The Apex base comes with a pH port - so unless you need a 2nd one, I say PM2 - but again, it depends what you want to monitor...

Thanks for the reply!

I have an Apex Jr so I don't havethe ability to monitor either. Being new to reefkeeping I was curious as to which parameter most people would consider to be the most important. One thing that leads me towards the PM2 is that I could program the apex to be a bit of a backup, hoepfully, to an ATO by shutting off the ATO pump if conductivity gets below a certain point. Not sure if that would work or not in case of a failed float switch.

In any case, the main reason I want one is that I need one for an ATO so I'm trying to decide which I should go with. If it doesn't matter ph it is as it's cheaper.

 

[crewdawg1981]

If you can only have one and never plan on having a calcium reactor, kalk reactor or just never want to monitor pH... then sure go PM2.

Personally, I'd go with the PM1 for the explicit purpose of monitoring your pH, which in my opinion will be more important. You can setup a redundant float switch assembly to safeguard against accidental overfills. Just need to remember to rinse them every now and then.

 

[redstang]

Ok, thanks for the advice! PM1, breakout box, EB8, and VDM ordered! And something nice to go with the VDM's !

 

[schwaggs]

I agree, monitoring pH is more important than real time monitoring of Salinity (conductivity). Plus the pH probe is way cheaper...

As for probes, I have had excellent luck with the Neptune probes although any will work.

It is fun to track your salinity over time, however. On the attached 7 day graph, you can clearly see the salinity of my system creeping down clowly over a week. Not sure what causes this (skimmer?) but it happens all the time. Don't pay any attention to the measured conductivity on this graph, my probe needs calibrating...
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