Need info on monitors and/or controllers

[Kendall]

What is the best way to monitor

PH
Temp
Salininty
orp
nitrate
calcium

I have done some research but need some experienced opinions. I don't necessarily need a controller, my heaters and chiller have built in thermastats, but for orp I may need one. Are individual units better than all-in-one? Should I consider a controller and just use it for monitoring if it is "better"? What companies are the most acurate and reliable? I know nitrate and calcium are expensive but courious if they are acurate/reliable. Any info is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[jrobbins]

The lower end aquacontrollers and reefkeepers are only about 100 to 150 and will do most of what you want. for orp you will have to spend a bit more, and i am not sure its really worth the price for most of us.

as for the accuracy, i have used both Pinpoint and Milwaukee (i think. the green ones) as well as aquacontrollers (the jr and the AC3) and never noticed a real difference in accuracy.

the ca monitors suck. they really do. there is no other way to put it.

no experience with the nitrate monitors, but that really shouldn't be something that is fluctuating that much or that quickly *unlike temp and ph which can move quite quickly and have really ugly effects on your critters* and the regular test kits for it are super quick and easy.

salinity monitor: see above

 

[Kendall]

Great info, thanks!!