PH, Orp, etc Probe fully submerged?

W

waterbeing

Premium Member
I'm trying to fashion a new Ph,etc probe holder for my sump and was wondering if they were designed to operate fully submerged or should the top end always remain out of water. I don't have too many choices on this tank as it does not have a calc reactor and the water level in the area that I'd like to put it will vary greatly during water changes, other maintenace, evaporation, topoff,etc and I'd like to know if people are running them fully submerged. I haven't seen any recommendations in the probe boxes themselves either, but I haven't seen any fully submerged that I've noticed. The one I'm looking at appears to be pretty water tight, but ya' just never know til ya' ask.
Anyone running them in the overflow returns if they are submerged??? (not a good idea me thinks...) :sad:
Doug
 
I think I read some where that the probes are not supposed to be totally submerged. I am not positive of that, but I seem to think everyone does it that way for some reason.
 
I kind'a suspect that most folks have them tucked away in the calc reactor somewhere or held in place with suction cup supports, and that they are mostly out of water. They do seem to be water sealed from what I can tell, and I think I'm feeling a bit better about it being in water fully now. At least for the type Jacob is using.
More opinions????
 
depends on how the probe was manufactured. The feedthru for the wiring into the probe's tube, may or may not be sealed very well. I have taken them apart (removed the rubber boot) and have seen some that are pretty well sealed where the wires enter the tube, but some are poorly sealed. I suppose that if one adds aquarium silicone sealant into that boot area to re-enforce the seal, it may be safe to submerge.

also, if one has the probe type that has an electrolyte refill port for the liquid chemical inside the tube, the port seal is a concern.
 
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