ph controller?

Is there anything else you have to buy with the controller or is this all you need and how does the controller accualy control the ph, as in what does it control it with? Here is the one I was looking at:http://www.marinedepot.com/American_Marine_Pinpoint_pH_Controller_Single_Item_Monitors_Controllers_for_Saltwater_Aquariums-Pinpoint_Monitors-AM1311-FITEMOID-vi.html

I would hold off from using that. A bit expensive and that unit has way more functions than you will need. Also i think that hand held units are easier to use because you can test the water you are mixing and walk over to your res to check as well. A good place to buy is EBAY got mine for only $34 and it dose wonders same with my PPM meter

bran1981 said:

Is there anything else you have to buy with the controller or is this all you need and how does the controller accualy control the ph, as in what does it control it with? Here is the one I was looking at:http://www.marinedepot.com/American_Marine_Pinpoint_pH_Controller_Single_Item_Monitors_Controllers_for_Saltwater_Aquariums-Pinpoint_Monitors-AM1311-FITEMOID-vi.html

Click to expand...

this is just a controller (and a probe), so you still need pumps, lines, solution, etc. the controller is just the 'brain'.

I have found very little information about PH Controllers in general, so if there is any interest, maybe we can improve on this?

I have the Pinpoint PH Controller. I am happy with it and to me it was worth the $200 investment for my bloom res; invaluable for when I am gone a few days or more, and otherwise just a great time-saver. This model features adjustment in both directions, which is pretty convenient.

I also have a Reef Fanatic PH Controller and I am also happy with this $150 investment. It only controls in one direction.

Note that despite the obvious notion of convenience which comes with controllers, setting one up requires patience and work to get the system tuned and functioning correctly. A little mistake can turn into a big problem in no time here. I managed to survive a few bumps in the road myself, but I am at the point where I just have to cal the probes periodically and all is well. I simply check on the numbers from time to time, but I do need to remember to disable the controller during res changes, doh!
I enjoy growing, but it was starting to take over my life, so the controllers are working out quite nicely.
Hope this helps.

before I forget, I am thinking ahead to a replacement BNC PH probe and I am curious if anyone has experienced good quality with any particular model? Thanks!

That unit you linked to will only control the Ph in the 7-10 range. Not good for hydroponics.

I use these ones http://www.amazon.com/American-Marine-Pinpoint-pH-Probe/dp/B001EHJO64/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1308352592&sr=8-1 with some sensors I make for an arduino based controller. the Probe seems solid for the price and remains stable to calibrate. The controller actually controlls everything in the room but only doses ph down (I use and ATO to raise the ph but its rare that I need too), the other thing I like with this controller is the relays boards, send it 5v 200mA and a 5v ctl signal and you can switch whatever up to about 15amps.

if your going to pay that much get a blue labs