The Best 9 Controllers and Monitors for Your Aquarium

Nitrate, pH, Lux Light, Calcium, Salinity, Oxygen, Conductivity, ORP, Phosphate

Written by

Updated 10/17/19

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the best products; you can learn more about our review process here. We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

Our Top Picks

Best Pinpoint:

American Marine Pinpoint pH Monitor at Amazon

"This precision pH monitor immediately detects changes in aquarium pH."

Best Light Meter:

Milwaukee Instruments Lux Light Meter at Amazon

"This easy-to-use, portable lux meter with waterproof sensor gives a precise reading of how much light your aquarium inhabitants actually receive."

Best Photometer:

Hanna Instruments Nitrate Portable Photometer at Amazon

"The Hanna Instruments Nitrate Photometer is an easy-to-use, professional grade tester measures nitrate levels in your aquarium water."

Best for Calcium:

American Marine Pinpoint II Calcium Monitor at Amazon

"Just dip the calibrated probe in water sample for quick and accurate measurement."

Best for Nitrate:

American Marine Pinpoint Nitrate Monitor at Marinedepot.com

"The American Marine Pinpoint Nitrate Monitor is a digital nitrate monitor which measures nitrate in a range of 0-10 ppm for reef use."

Best for Salinity:

American Marine PINPOINT Salinity Monitor + Calibration Fluid at Amazon

"The American Marine Pinpoint Salinity Monitor accurately and immediately measures aquarium salt levels in millisiemens."

Best for Oxygen:

American Marine Pinpoint Oxygen Monitor at Amazon

"This affordable and accurate dissolved oxygen monitoring system is the preferred monitor in the aquaculture industry."

Best Conductivity:

American Marine Pinpoint Conductivity Monitor at Amazon

"Automatically temperature-compensated and has two ranges, making it useful for different applications."

Best ORP:

American Marine Pinpoint ORP Monitor at Amazon

"The American Marine Pinpoint ORP Monitor is a professional quality which monitor which constantly measures aquarium oxidation-reduction potential."

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The Pinpoint pH Monitor continuously measures aquarium pH to within 1/100th of a unit. This precision pH monitor immediately detects changes in aquarium pH. Powered by a 9V battery (not included) the "LOBAT" indicator signals for a replacement. It has a large, easy-to-read display and a lab-grade epoxy electrode features a BNC connector. The Pinpoint pH Monitor comes complete with probe and calibration fluids. Measures 3" x 5". For salt or freshwater use.

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The Smart Lux Light Meter in an economically priced light meter which accurately measures light intensity in aquariums. This easy-to-use portable lux meter helps optimize aquarium lighting. This easy-to-use, portable lux meter with waterproof sensor gives a precise reading of how much light your aquarium inhabitants actually receive. Accurately measures from 0.000 to 50,000 Lux with ±6% of reading ±1 digit. The required 9V Alkaline Battery is included. Measures 3" x 1-3/8" x 5-1/2" high.

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The Hanna Instruments Nitrate Photometer is an easy-to-use, professional-grade tester that measures nitrate levels in your aquarium water. It contains a lab-quality light-emitting diode encased in a high-impact plastic housing and includes two 10 ml cuvets and a 9-volt battery. The exclusive positive-locking system prevents user-error, while automatic shutoff feature conserves battery life. Uses light refraction to measure water turbidity from nitrate, measuring between 0 to 30.0 mg/L. The unit's dimensions are: 7.1" x 3.3" x 1.8". Freshwater Only

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The America Marine Pinpoint Calcium Monitor is an easy-to-use portable digital calcium monitor with a precise LCD readout which displays calcium levels in ppm. Just dip the calibrated probe in a water sample for quick and accurate measurement. This monitor is powered by a standard 9-volt battery (not included). It has a display Range of 000.0 – 9,772.0 ppm Ca+, with an accuracy +/- 2% after calibration. The monitor measures 3" x 5" and includes calcium meter, calcium probe (7" probe with 10 ft probe cable with BNC connector) and calibration fluids.

Buy on Marinedepot.com

The American Marine Pinpoint Nitrate Monitor is a digital nitrate monitor which measures nitrate in a range of 0-10 ppm for reef use, 10-100 ppm for fish-only marine system. This dual range nitrate monitor is accurate to ± 1 ppm after calibration. Accuracy for either scale is ± 1 ppm after calibration. Resolution for either scale is 1 ppm NO3. Includes probe, display unit and probe protector. Runs on 9V battery, which is not included. The unit measures 3" x 5". Use with Nitrate Electrode Calibration Solution, sold separately.

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The American Marine Pinpoint Salinity Monitor accurately and immediately measures aquarium salt levels in millisiemens (mS), but includes a chart to cross-reference both specific gravity (S.G.) or ‰ salt (ppt). The reading is fully temperature compensated for true readings of salt levels. Includes a 53.0 mS reference/calibration fluid. It runs on a 9V battery, which is not included.

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The American Marine Pinpoint Oxygen Monitor accurately measures dissolved oxygen levels from 0 - 20 ppm. The Pinpoint II Oxygen Monitor displays a digital readout for dissolved oxygen in either % oxygen or ppm saturation. This affordable and accurate dissolved oxygen monitoring system is the preferred monitor in the aquaculture industry. Includes probe with 5 ft cord, extra replacement membranes and probe electrolyte. No calibration fluids are needed. Operates for about 150 hrs. on a 9V battery which is not included.

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The American Marine Pinpoint Conductivity Monitor accurately measure freshwater impurities. Anything that is not water (like calcium, silica, magnesium, nitrate, etc.), regardless of the amount, will be measured. The Pinpoint Conductivity Monitor is automatically temperature-compensated and has two ranges, making it useful for different applications (top off water?). This unit measures in microsiemens (µS) but includes conversion formula for other scales of hardness. It runs on a 9V battery, which is not included.

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The American Marine Pinpoint ORP Monitor is a professional quality monitor that constantly measures aquarium oxidation-reduction potential (ORP/REDOX). An essential aquarium-monitoring device for reef aquarium and other high-tech aquariums that utilizes ozone or ozonizers to break down organic waste materials. The large Liquid Crystal Display displays a 1 mV resolution with a ±1 mV accuracy (-2000 to +2000 mV range) and features a low battery indicator. Built-in offset screw for quick and easy calibration. The lab-grade, Ag-AgCl, epoxy electrode has a full platinum band and BNC connector. It runs on a 9V battery, which is not included. The Pinpoint ORP Monitor is fully guaranteed and measures 3" x 5".