How to Calibrate your Salinity Probe EP 09: Apex Aquarium Controllers from Neptune Systems

[@beribear7956]

Just an observation. After having issues during the calibration I noticed that just tapping it to get all the air out was not enough. I ended up putting the probe and calibration fluid in a bag then rubber banding it and turning the probe upside down while still in the fluid to get all the air out. In the tank I installed it upside down to get all the air out and to prevent bubbles from ever getting in there.

[@beardedandtattooed2372]

I wanted to say thank you so much for making this video. it helped me get the correct reading on it. when I first got my apex i wasnt sure what to do and my readings were 50.2 because when i calibrated it I did it with the range set to high.. thank you so much i feel good that im getting the correct readings because I checked it against my refractometer and it was spot on!! thank you!!!

[@RickstersAZ120reef]

As always great video. I have a apex lite so would I have to purchase a add on for a salinity probe?

[@cassandrarhoades5690]

After calibration, I kept the probe in the solution and it's only reading 34.8. Is that ok? When it's in the tank, it's reading 38.2, but my refractometer is reading 1.023. I don't know which one to trust. I've calibrated the probe twice and I'm at a loss.

[@dtphillips1977]

Hi I'm only going to use ONE temp probe connected straight to the pm2 module. do I sill need to change the temp comp to 2.2 ?

[@twinturbo111]

how different would these instructions be for the NEW apex i purchased from you, which has a LAB-grade probe ?

[@battyjoe]

Do i need to clean the probe before calibrating it after a while in the tank to get rid of deposits? i.e. soak it in vinegar

[@suhailhassan5051]

My tank is running at 30 degrees Celsius. I kept the solution packet in the sump for a while to acclimate. Then did the calibration process. Is the temp of my tank too high for calibration?

[@BRStv]

30 degrees C is pretty darn warm for a reef tank. While I don't think it's too high to perform the calibration process, I'd suggest trying to get the temp down to at least 27-28 degrees C for the sake of the fish and corals.

[@mariahkuitse8926]

How can you tell if your salinity probe needs to be replaced? I have a probe that will have accurate readings for up to two weeks but then will show an increase in salinity unexpectedly and then after recalibration will be work again but only for a short period of time.

[@mariahkuitse8926]

***** Our probes are positioned in a tank where the inflow comes from plastic tubing. The tubing has been placed in a way that it hits the probes right around their middle section. Is there a way to avoid the air bubbles even if the probe has to have a constant flow of water on it?

[@joetaylor5281]

how often dpo you need to calibrate the apex system

[@battyjoe]

Why is is the temp probe calibration set to 2.2? What are the numbers representing and why 2.2?

[@battyjoe]

Thanks for the info :)

[@jonathanweber8840]

BulkReefSupplyCom This is incorrect. The value is an adjustment that increases the salinity reading by 2.2 ppt per degree Celcius for every degree above 25C and reduces it for every degree below 25C. It is not a percentage. Because the value is a fixed number and not a percentage the actual value will vary depending on the total salinity of the tank as well as the levels of dKH, Ca, and Mg. 2.2 is a good starting point, but the only way to know for sure is to adjust the tank temperature and see if it rises, falls, or stays steady with temperature. If steady you're good, if it rises as temp rises you need to reduce it 0.1, and if it falls as temp rises You need to increase it 0.1. It is also very important that the tank temp be very near 77F or 25C when this is first done or the tank will require calibration again after the temp compensation has been tuned.

[@bobbonecrusher]

how often should you calb your probes

[@jasondorn896]

is it possible to 'calibrate' the probe in tank by measuring your systems salinity via refractometer, etc. then setting the current value for the probe? would be much less hassle..

[@kannadeshi]

***** yeah but i'm not interested in its accuracy. i just want to set alarms based on large variations (ATO sticks, salinity goes from 35 - 32 for example). i want to calibrate it and use it much like you've demo'd the thermometer. is that possible?

[@jasondorn896]

kannadeshi exactly..

[@extrememiami]

This is what I'm trying to do also. This probe is nothing but trouble. When I called Neptune they did this in tank but I can't figure out how they did it while on the phone with them. It was manual calibration. They sure don't make it easy on us to find out how. This is the #1 complaint with the Apex. I don't need it spot on I want to set it myself when I know my tank is exactly 35. Someone must know how to do this?? Anyone?????

[@ReefRealEstateInCanada]

I am constantly get a calibration fail message. Please help!!

[@ReefRealEstateInCanada]

What does 32.6 mean. That's my reading. I have no idea what the numbers represent. I'm sure it tells me somewhere but I can't find it plus I just want it to work and I'm a bit lazy with this stuff 😄

[@ReefRealEstateInCanada]

BulkReefSupplyCom got her, thanks bud. I guess I could always read. Hahha. 👍all good cheers!

[@reyescalvillo]

My salinity box is blinking Orange how and it won't let me calibrate the probe

[@reyescalvillo]

+BulkReefSupplyCom no it dose not I'm sending it in to get a new one

[@stanfaulconer3228]

apex said the solution itself will fluctuate salinity with temp changes so you wont necessarily get a 35ppt at the end on the display

[@TheEscargoth]

Thanks. But its possible in French ?

[@ironman20725]

I still can not get it to calibrate

[@ironman20725]

I did and they got it to work after 3 days

[@johnmadden3570]

Seems like Rocket Science.

[@jonathanweber8840]

You are missing STEP #1. THE PROBE NEEDS TO SOAK IN SALTWATER FOR A WEEK BEFORE CALIBRATION. Failure to do this will force another calibration within the next week of ownership.

[@jonathanweber8840]

BulkReefSupplyCom It is not listed in the manufacturers instructions, but is a known issue that has plagued the forums since before I owned an apex (I am Zombie on neptune forums btw). According to neptune reps, a full week is not necessary but at least overnight to 24 hours is and from experience in the forums it is often closer to 48 before it settles out (I always say a week because that's what an ORP needs and usually people buy everything at once. Better overdo it than underdo it and have to recalibrate). Also the drying step (though mentioned in the manual as well) does more harm than good. The correct procedure is to rinse in RODI and lightly pad the tip with a paper towel. The goal there is to remove any salt, not to dry the tip.

[@thepassionreef]

Hi Jonathan i think i messed up mine when i was caliberating my new salinity probe last night...i am getting a result of 18ppt..i have an apex 2016 do i set my temp compensation at 2.2% when i re do it again after a week as i will let the probe sit in the sump for now allowing it to break in. Neptune needs to provide a full indepth instructions on these probes. No where on their website under Get Started Guide discuss calibrating the probes. Thank you for your service on Neptune forum. Ryan Thank you for all the videos you guys come up with much appreciated....

[@decarli4280]

love your videos ryan BUT!! please calm it down in the beginning you come out of nowhere and yell HI IM RYAN. thank you.