A digital probe to precisely measure the salinity of a marine aquarium
Maintaining stable salinity is crucial in a reef aquarium. Significant fluctuations can quickly affect fish, corals, and many invertebrates. The RED SEA ReefSense allows for continuous monitoring of dissolved salt concentration , eliminating the need for occasional checks with a refractometer or portable conductivity meter.
Connected to the ReefControl, it continuously transmits measured values, allowing you to visualize variations throughout the day. This monitoring is particularly useful for detecting unusual dilution, a gradual increase in salinity, or a problem related to osmolation.
A 4-pole conductivity sensor suitable for reef aquariums
The probe uses a four-pole conductivity sensor , a technology particularly well-suited to measurements in highly conductive media such as seawater. This design provides a more stable measurement, better adapted to the conditions found in a marine aquarium.
It is designed to operate sustainably in an environment where salt concentration, deposits, and temperature variations impose greater constraints than in freshwater. This technology is therefore a real asset for the regular monitoring of salinity.
Automatic temperature compensation for consistent salinity readings
Water conductivity naturally varies with temperature. To obtain a usable salinity reading, this influence must be taken into account. The ReefSense probe therefore incorporates automatic temperature compensation .
This correction provides more consistent values when the aquarium temperature fluctuates slightly. This allows the user to monitor the actual salinity levels without mistaking a temperature variation for a genuine change in salt concentration.
Display of salinity in PSU, ppt, mS or SG density
The probe allows measurements to be displayed in several units to suit the habits of each aquarist. Values can be viewed in PSU, ppt, mS, or SG , eliminating the need for manual conversions between different salinity measurement methods.
This versatility is particularly useful for directly comparing ReefSense data with data obtained using other measuring devices or with recommendations used for a reef aquarium.
Accuracy of ±1% for salinity monitoring
The salinity measurement offers a stated accuracy of ±1% . This level of precision allows for effective monitoring of tank variations and rapid detection of any drift that might require intervention.
In a reef aquarium, the main objective is to maintain stable salinity over time. A connected probe allows for continuous monitoring of changes and the detection of trends well before they become visible during a routine check.
Integrated digital thermometer with an accuracy of 0.05 °C
The ReefSense Salinity/Temperature also incorporates a digital temperature measurement . Its advertised accuracy reaches 0.05°C, allowing for precise monitoring of temperature variations within the aquarium.
This dual function avoids the need for multiple sensors in the settling tank and simultaneously provides two complementary pieces of information. The measured temperature is also used directly for automatic salinity compensation.
Real-time tracking with ReefControl Lite and ReefControl Pro
The probe can be connected to RED SEA ReefControl Lite or ReefControl Pro controllers. Once integrated into the system, it allows for real-time monitoring of salinity and temperature measurements in the aquarium.
This continuous monitoring provides a much more detailed view of the tank's operation than a series of spot measurements. It allows, in particular, the identification of variations related to evaporation, the addition of reverse osmosis water, water changes, or temperature fluctuations.
Notifications in case of abnormal variations in salinity or temperature
Thanks to its integration with the ReefControl system, the probe allows for the definition of alerts and notifications when values fall outside of chosen limits. The user can thus be quickly informed of an anomaly without needing to constantly monitor the installation.
A drop in salinity, for example, can signal an excessive addition of reverse osmosis water, while a gradual increase can reveal a problem with evaporation compensation. Similarly, an abnormally high or low temperature can be detected quickly.
Historical data on measures to monitor trends in the baccalaureate
Salinity and temperature values can be recorded in monitoring logs . These historical records allow visualization of variations over several hours or days and make it easier to identify recurring trends.
This function is particularly useful for checking the regularity of osmolation, analyzing variations after a water change, or observing the thermal behavior of the aquarium during warm periods.
Simple probe calibration via the ReefBeat ecosystem
Calibration is an essential step to maintain reliable conductivity measurements. The ReefSense probe is designed for easy calibration via the ReefBeat ecosystem , simplifying regular maintenance.
Periodic calibration helps to maintain the consistency of measurements over time and to compensate for any drifts related to prolonged use of the sensor in seawater.
Automation of equipment based on measured temperature
Temperature values can be used by ReefControl to automatically control certain compatible DC equipment , such as a cooling fan. The system can then activate the device when the water temperature exceeds a programmed threshold.
When the temperature drops, the fan can be switched off automatically. This logic allows the equipment's operation to adapt to the aquarium's actual needs.
Controlling a heater with ReefControl Power
When used with a ReefControl Power , temperature measurement can also be used to control AC equipment such as a heater. The system can then turn the appliance on or off based on the temperature reading from the sensor.
This capability allows thermal monitoring and regulation to be combined in the same control environment, while retaining the history and notifications available via ReefControl.
Use of salinity measurements in ReefControl automation
Salinity data can also be integrated into the system's automation, depending on the chosen configuration and connected equipment. It can serve as a reference for triggering certain compatible DC devices, such as solenoid valves .
This interaction between sensors and equipment makes it possible to build a more responsive and autonomous installation, while maintaining continuous monitoring of critical tank parameters.
A probe that is particularly useful for monitoring osmolation
In a marine aquarium, evaporation removes only fresh water, thus gradually increasing salinity. Conversely, an excessive addition of reverse osmosis water can cause it to drop. A connected probe allows for the rapid detection of both situations .
Continuous salinity monitoring is therefore an excellent complement to an ATO system. It allows verification that the osmolation is functioning correctly and that no unusual drift is gradually developing.
Features of the RED SEA ReefSense Salinity/Temperature Probe
- Brand: RED SEA .
- Type: digital salinity and temperature probe.
- Compatible with ReefControl Lite and ReefControl Pro .
- 4-pole conductivity sensor.
- Automatic salinity compensation based on temperature.
- Display possible in PSU, ppt, mS or SG .
- Announced accuracy of salinity: ±1% .
- Announced temperature accuracy: 0.05 °C .
- Real-time monitoring of both parameters.
- Notifications and history via the ReefControl ecosystem.
- Calibration made easy via ReefBeat.
- Can participate in the control of compatible DC equipment.
- Can control AC equipment such as a heater with ReefControl Power .
