Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Product sources DO/Temp/depth meter

I am looking for recommendations on a simple to use DO meter with depth and temp. to use at the ponds. Would like a small battery powered unit that does not require calibrattion. Just turn on and lower the probe to depth and take reading. I am not interested in the $1500 type nor do I want the $ 50 pseudo-type that works on temp and water clarity. I would like a real , easy to use meter. I would be greatful for any suggestions on what has worked well for you. ewest

Wow Ewest, I guess you asked a tough question with no takers. I sure wish someone could help you out. I'm looking for the same thing. I can't afford the profesional ones. I'd really like to experiment with taking DO readings in different parts of pond and with and without aerator running. Have you noticed that it's the probes that really cost and they only last so long? I haven't found one like you describe yet. What I could really use is one with a recording capability to measure DO over the course of time but I'm sure that's really out of my league.

Ya'll might try a fishing pro's website to see what they use. Jimmy Houston, or, I drew a blank, the guy from Florida.

Here is what I found. Might meet your needs, plus it allows recording up to 8000 readings and can transfer that to a PC.

DO Meter

Wow thanks Ceadman, this might be the one. Do you know how this thing works to understand how many of the accessories one would need to do all the great stuff it is capable of? In the past I've found the probes to be a large portion of the purchase price. On the web site you posted I checked out the accessories and I can't even tell from the descriptions which part is an oxygen probe. I've never used one of these things so trying to figure out what I would really need to do what I want to do is confusing. I would assume for the $399 you get at least the capability to stick the thing into the water and get a reading. But how long does a membrane last, how long does a probe last, what other accessories do you need to record results?

Seems that the probe/sensor is included and is attached with a 1 meter cable. It seems it is ready to go out of the box. The membrane needs to be replaced after you can't calibrate correctly anymore. No word on lifespan of membrane but it comes with 5 spares also. The only accessory that you would need, depending, is the s/w to chart/record your results over time. Or just write it down and keep a spreadsheet.

Here is where I got the information:

Extach Manual

Ceadman, thanks very much for info. I will look this up and investigate. Don't have a lot of time for the next few weeks but will eventually get to it.

Your Welcome.

Oh, here is another DO Meter from the same company, this one though can be ordered with a 16 foot extension cable. If you go with one, after you test it, I'd love to hear about your experience.

DO Meter 2

Well it looks like I won't be getting the DO meter this year. Promised my wife I'd put a bigger patio on the back of our house. It gotter bigger and more expensive than I thought and I blew my wad on that. Maybe next year.

Once again patio trumps DO meter. (Sigh!)

Dang honey-do's.

Dang! As a reward for being such a good boy this summer and getting lots of things done on the Honey-do list my wife thinks we can wait a little on some new furniture and I ought to buy that lever action rifle I've been wanting for years. Now the dilemna, should I spend $400 on a rifle or on a DO meter. I think I need both!

Sweet!! Either gift to yourself is going to be enjoyable.

Come on bz, you know that a $400 rifle cannot be expected to function properly unless it is consistently checked with a DO meter.

That's common knowledge!

BZ, Sunil could not be more right. And you'll certainly need a fine scope on that rifle to keep the DO meter calibrated.

Now I know I'm in the company of some really experienced experts! You guys have this all figured out because you've done this before haven't you? I think I can rationalize a new air compressor too since I'll need something to provide air to measure with the DO meter right? My wife is going to get suspicious as I try to remember all of your advice and explain this to her while peaking at some notes on a note card.