Atlas Scientific EZO-EC Embedded Conductivity Circuit
The EZO-EC Embedded Conductivity Circuit is a compact, lab-grade module prized for its precise conductivity and salinity measurements in custom aquarium controller builds; its small form factor and digital interface make it the best-in-class choice for DIY integrators who need board-level flexibility. Compared with probe-and-module combos on this list, the EZO-EC offers a lower per-unit hardware cost and greater integration flexibility than turnkey solutions like the Neptune PM2, though it requires more electronics know-how to deploy. For aquarists building expansion modules, its broad firmware support and modularity deliver strong technical value versus proprietary expansion cards.
Tiny integration wizard
Board-level accuracy
Tiny integration wizard
Board-level accuracy
Review Summary
"Widely praised for its compact, industry-grade accuracy and easy serial integration; reviewers note excellent documentation and reliability but stress proper calibration and compatible probes are required."
Battery-friendly champ
Compact EZO-EC circuit board for accurate conductivity measurements in custom builds
Battery-friendly champ
Compact EZO-EC circuit board for accurate conductivity measurements in custom builds
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
The EZO-EC Embedded Conductivity Circuit is a compact, lab-grade module prized for its precise conductivity and salinity measurements in custom aquarium controller builds; its small form factor and digital interface make it the best-in-class choice for DIY integrators who need board-level flexibility. Compared with probe-and-module combos on this list, the EZO-EC offers a lower per-unit hardware cost and greater integration flexibility than turnkey solutions like the Neptune PM2, though it requires more electronics know-how to deploy. For aquarists building expansion modules, its broad firmware support and modularity deliver strong technical value versus proprietary expansion cards.
Tiny integration wizard
Board-level accuracy
Battery-friendly champ
Compact EZO-EC circuit board for accurate conductivity measurements in custom builds
Supports I2C, UART and EZO serial interfaces for easy integration with controllers
Tiny integration wizard
Board-level accuracy
Battery-friendly champ
Compact EZO-EC circuit board for accurate conductivity measurements in custom builds
Supports I2C, UART and EZO serial interfaces for easy integration with controllers
Neptune Systems PM2 Salinity Module
The PM2 Salinity Module is the market-leading, aquarium-focused salinity interface designed for seamless integration with the Apex ecosystem, offering plug-and-play monitoring, automated alerts, and direct controller interaction that simplify reef-keeper workflows. Compared to general-purpose circuits like Atlas Scientific's EZO-EC or probe kits, the PM2 trades some raw customization for turnkey usability and tighter software integration, which can justify a higher upfront cost for users already invested in Neptune's platform. For saltwater aquariums requiring automated salinity management and ecosystem-level control, the PM2's ecosystem advantages and user-friendly setup make it a financial and operational leader.
Apex-integrated powerhouse
Real-time alerts
Apex-integrated powerhouse
Real-time alerts
Review Summary
"Users like its tight integration with Neptune's Apex ecosystem and reliable salinity readings, but many cite high cost, limited standalone compatibility, and occasional firmware hassles."
Tank-stability hero
Designed to integrate directly with Neptune Systems Apex for automated salinity monitoring
Tank-stability hero
Designed to integrate directly with Neptune Systems Apex for automated salinity monitoring
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The PM2 Salinity Module is the market-leading, aquarium-focused salinity interface designed for seamless integration with the Apex ecosystem, offering plug-and-play monitoring, automated alerts, and direct controller interaction that simplify reef-keeper workflows. Compared to general-purpose circuits like Atlas Scientific's EZO-EC or probe kits, the PM2 trades some raw customization for turnkey usability and tighter software integration, which can justify a higher upfront cost for users already invested in Neptune's platform. For saltwater aquariums requiring automated salinity management and ecosystem-level control, the PM2's ecosystem advantages and user-friendly setup make it a financial and operational leader.
Apex-integrated powerhouse
Real-time alerts
Tank-stability hero
Designed to integrate directly with Neptune Systems Apex for automated salinity monitoring
Provides continuous salinity logging and configurable alerts in the Apex dashboard
Apex-integrated powerhouse
Real-time alerts
Tank-stability hero
Designed to integrate directly with Neptune Systems Apex for automated salinity monitoring
Provides continuous salinity logging and configurable alerts in the Apex dashboard
$200-350 CAD
Atlas Scientific K1.0 Conductivity Probe Kit
The K1.0 Conductivity Probe Kit pairs a robust K=1.0 probe with calibration solutions and housing accessories to deliver aquarium-ready salinity readings with minimal setup, making it the most straightforward Atlas offering for hobbyists wanting accuracy without DIY electronics. Unlike the EZO-EC circuit which targets integrators, the K1.0 kit provides a ready-to-use sensing element that reduces integration time and hidden costs of purchase-plus-assembly; however, it lacks the direct digital interface and board-level flexibility of embedded modules. Its balance of accuracy, consumable support, and predictable cost makes it a strong option for aquarium owners wanting professional sensing without building custom electronics.
Calibration-ready kit
Rugged probe design
Calibration-ready kit
Rugged probe design
Review Summary
"Buyers find the K1.0 probe kit accurate, robust, and well-suited for hobbyist and small-scale labs, though some report calibration drift over long-term use and the need for regular maintenance."
DIY-lab delight
K1.0 probe kit calibrated and optimized for reliable conductivity readings in aquaria
DIY-lab delight
K1.0 probe kit calibrated and optimized for reliable conductivity readings in aquaria
Skill Development & Mastery
Increased Safety & Security
The K1.0 Conductivity Probe Kit pairs a robust K=1.0 probe with calibration solutions and housing accessories to deliver aquarium-ready salinity readings with minimal setup, making it the most straightforward Atlas offering for hobbyists wanting accuracy without DIY electronics. Unlike the EZO-EC circuit which targets integrators, the K1.0 kit provides a ready-to-use sensing element that reduces integration time and hidden costs of purchase-plus-assembly; however, it lacks the direct digital interface and board-level flexibility of embedded modules. Its balance of accuracy, consumable support, and predictable cost makes it a strong option for aquarium owners wanting professional sensing without building custom electronics.
Calibration-ready kit
Rugged probe design
DIY-lab delight
K1.0 probe kit calibrated and optimized for reliable conductivity readings in aquaria
Includes mounting accessories and connectors compatible with Atlas EZO circuits
Calibration-ready kit
Rugged probe design
DIY-lab delight
K1.0 probe kit calibrated and optimized for reliable conductivity readings in aquaria
Includes mounting accessories and connectors compatible with Atlas EZO circuits
GHL ProfiLux Conductivity Expansion Card PLM-COND
The ProfiLux PLM-COND expansion card is a high-end, factory-integrated conductivity interface tailored to GHL's ProfiLux controllers, delivering turnkey, enterprise-level monitoring and calibration features for serious reef systems. Technically, it rivals Neptune's PM2 for ecosystem integration but targets a premium segment with deeper feature sets, professional calibration workflows, and enterprise-grade hardware reliability—though at a higher price and vendor lock-in compared with universal modules like Atlas components. For aquarists who prioritize consolidated control and minimal third-party wiring, the PLM-COND provides the most cohesive and professionally supported expansion path.
Modular pro control
High-precision sensing
Modular pro control
High-precision sensing
Review Summary
"GHL's PLM-COND card is commended for professional-grade precision and seamless ProfiLux integration; critics point to a steep price and complexity for users outside the GHL ecosystem."
German-engineered swagger
PLM-COND plug-in card expands GHL ProfiLux controllers with dedicated conductivity channels
German-engineered swagger
PLM-COND plug-in card expands GHL ProfiLux controllers with dedicated conductivity channels
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
The ProfiLux PLM-COND expansion card is a high-end, factory-integrated conductivity interface tailored to GHL's ProfiLux controllers, delivering turnkey, enterprise-level monitoring and calibration features for serious reef systems. Technically, it rivals Neptune's PM2 for ecosystem integration but targets a premium segment with deeper feature sets, professional calibration workflows, and enterprise-grade hardware reliability—though at a higher price and vendor lock-in compared with universal modules like Atlas components. For aquarists who prioritize consolidated control and minimal third-party wiring, the PLM-COND provides the most cohesive and professionally supported expansion path.
Modular pro control
High-precision sensing
German-engineered swagger
PLM-COND plug-in card expands GHL ProfiLux controllers with dedicated conductivity channels
High-resolution measurements with precise temperature compensation and logging
Modular pro control
High-precision sensing
German-engineered swagger
PLM-COND plug-in card expands GHL ProfiLux controllers with dedicated conductivity channels
High-resolution measurements with precise temperature compensation and logging
$300-500 CAD
Milwaukee MC510 PRO pH/ORP/EC/TDS/Temp Controller
The MC510 PRO multi-parameter controller offers combined pH/ORP/EC/TDS/temperature control with built-in dosing relays and alarm outputs, making it a cost-effective, all-in-one solution for smaller aquariums or growers who want conductivity and salinity management without multiple separate modules. Financially it can be more attractive than buying separate expansion modules and probes, but it is less specialized for aquarium ecosystems than dedicated modules from Neptune or GHL and may require more manual integration to reach the same automation level. Its technical advantage is consolidated instrumentation and simplified installation, offering good value for users seeking a single-vendor controller approach rather than ecosystem expansion cards or embedded circuits.
Multi-parameter brain
Robust industrial build
Multi-parameter brain
Robust industrial build
Review Summary
"The MC510 PRO is valued for combining pH/ORP/EC/TDS/temp control in one unit with solid hardware reliability, while users mention a learning curve for setup and occasional interface/usability complaints."
User-friendly interface
All-in-one controller handling pH, ORP, EC/TDS and temperature with relay outputs
User-friendly interface
All-in-one controller handling pH, ORP, EC/TDS and temperature with relay outputs
Increased Safety & Security
Time-Saving Convenience
The MC510 PRO multi-parameter controller offers combined pH/ORP/EC/TDS/temperature control with built-in dosing relays and alarm outputs, making it a cost-effective, all-in-one solution for smaller aquariums or growers who want conductivity and salinity management without multiple separate modules. Financially it can be more attractive than buying separate expansion modules and probes, but it is less specialized for aquarium ecosystems than dedicated modules from Neptune or GHL and may require more manual integration to reach the same automation level. Its technical advantage is consolidated instrumentation and simplified installation, offering good value for users seeking a single-vendor controller approach rather than ecosystem expansion cards or embedded circuits.
Multi-parameter brain
Robust industrial build
User-friendly interface
All-in-one controller handling pH, ORP, EC/TDS and temperature with relay outputs
Touchscreen interface and configurable alarms tailored for aquarium safety
Multi-parameter brain
Robust industrial build
User-friendly interface
All-in-one controller handling pH, ORP, EC/TDS and temperature with relay outputs
Touchscreen interface and configurable alarms tailored for aquarium safety
$700-1200 CAD