Anyone use a Pinpoint Salinity Monitor and find it to be the PODoo Doo that I do?

[paulthomas]

I had a Pylei wrasse in hypo and lost it due to fluctuating readings from this crappy monitor. I calibrated it before first using it with the supplied 53.0 solution provided by American Marine (Pinpoint). I've had to recalibrate it four times due to jumps in readings by as much as four points.

 

[Leroy]

I have one and don't put a whole lot of faith in the readings even after calibration.

 

[MisFit]

I can tell just from the cost of those that they wouldn't be any good, it's only few bucks more than a good refractometer. You would be better off with a decent refratometer or if you really want an electronic meter get a ysi but those are $500-700

 

[paulthomas]

Damn, guys. So this thing is really just a waste of money? I read some complaints recently about how inaccurate they are.

Yeah, Misfit. I hear ya. I've got a decent refractometer, but wanted something to give specific numbers.

I'll pass on the $500+ monitor.

 

[bigdog]

junk throw it out

 

[cakemanPA]

I have had much different results with mine. I checked mine after calibration with a refractometer and it was dead on. I continued to cross check over the 1st few months and it remained accurate.

 

[Cheetos]

I use mine to mix saltwater and always check with a refractometer just to make sure. The only time it's every been off is when the batter is getting week. I think they make an ac adapter for it.

 

[paulthomas]

Thanks for the feedback, y'all. I spoke to someone from American Marine. The guy had a bit of a 'tude with me. I guess I used the wrong term. Apparently I did here, too.

By points, I meant mS. In a day's use, I'd get a jump from say 1.0081 SG (19.8 mS) to 1.0105 SG (24.4 mS) with a constant water level and no adding of salt. The guy from AE said that that was a negligible jump. I said it wasn't, especially when hypo'ing a fish. He informed me that SG levels that low will kill any saltwater fish. Anyway... He hastily asked if I was using the AC adaptor kit. I said no. His response was "Oh." From what I've read online, the AC kit is crap and throws the monitor even more out of wack. IMHO, his reaction confirmed that.

I've had to recalibrate this thing several times. I'd get the monitor to 53.0 mS with the solution. A couple hours later, it'd read 56.0 mS with the solution. Is that how accurate people are finding this monitor? If so, that sucks.

Before hanging up with the guy, he suggested I send the monitor in, along with the calibration fluid. I cleared my throat and asked if I was supposed to pay to ship it to him. He snapped back with "am I supposed to ship it back?" HAHAHA. He was quick. I didn't want to argue with him anymore, so I said I'd ship it soon.

Oy...