





Hanna Instruments HI-981520 Marine Monitor for pH, EC, Marine Salinity and Temperature
Testing and monitoring salinity in saltwater aquariums is an ongoing task. The HI-981520 Marine Monitor is the ideal solution for aquarists looking to continuously monitor salinity levels in aquariums, seawater, or aquaculture.
The HI-981520 is an easy to use vertical mount unit that continuously monitors and displays conductivity and pH. The system can be calibrated at one or two points for pH and at one point for conductivity. Seawater salinity is expressed in either parts per thousand (ppt), Practical Salinity Units (PSU), or Specific Gravity (S.G.). A high/low alarm can be configured for each parameter and the results are displayed on a large, easy to read LCD. The attached two-electrode conductivity probe features a built-in temperature sensor for rapid, high-accuracy temperature readings.
The Hanna HI-1286 pH double junction, gel filled pH electrode features a PEI resin body that is easy to clean and resistant to many aggressive chemicals. Additionally, the double junction design is less susceptible to clogging for fast and stable readings.
• Waterproof
• Automatic temperature compensation (ATC)
• Dual pin graphite EC probe
Package Contents
• HI-981520 monitor with attached EC & temperature probe
• HI-1286 replaceable pH electrode
• pH 7.01 buffer solution, 20 mL (2 sachets)
• pH 10.01 buffer solution, 20 mL (2 sachets)
• 35.00 ppt salinity calibration solution, 20 mL (2 sachets)
• Electrode cleaning solution, 20 mL (2 sachets)
• Suction cup (2 pieces)
• Self‑adhesive strip (2 pieces)
• 12 VDC power adapter
• pH electrode quality certificate
• Quick reference guide with instrument quality certificate
Main Features
• Two Alarm operating modes (High / Low Value) for each supported parameter
• High / Low Alarm generated when measured value exceeds or drops below configured parameter High / Low Value
• Acoustic signal generated each time an alarm is triggered
• EC probe contains an integral temperature sensor that simplifies installation
• All readings are compensated for variations in temperature
More features
Method and Parameter: Chosen parameter and method used is displayed along with the reading.
Dedicated Setup Key: A dedicated setup key allows users to quickly navigate to setup options.
Splash-proof Keypad: Intuitive on-screen menus are easy to navigate with the splash-proof keypad.
Power Supply: The 12 Vdc adapter (included) allows for continuous monitoring
Fixed EC probe: Built-in temperature sensor at the tip of the EC sensor allows for rapid determination of the sample temperature and a high-accuracy temperature reading.
Compact size: Measures 125 mm (4.92”) x 185 mm (7.28”) and only 38 mm (1.49”) thick.
Dedicated Calibration Key: A dedicated calibration key allows users to start a one or two-point pH and EC automatic calibration at the touch of a button.
Replaceable pH probe with BNC connection: The PEI resin body is easy to clean and resistant to many aggressive chemicals. The porous PTFE junction is equally resistant to aggressive chemicals. The double junction design presents a silver-free electrolyte solution interacting with the sample, making the electrode less susceptible to clogging and guaranteeing a fast response and stable reading.
Measuring Seawater Salinity
Choice of Units
Seawater salinity units can be chosen through the setup menu.
ppt
Measurements expressed in ppt are based on the Natural Seawater Scale that extends from 0.00 to 80.00 g/L and covers 10 to 31 °C temperature range. It determines the salinity based upon a conductivity ratio of sample to standard seawater at 15 °C and an approximate salinity value of 35 in seawater.
PSU
The practical salinity of seawater relates the ratio of electrical conductivity of a normal seawater sample at 15 °C and 1 atmosphere to a potassium chloride solution (KCl) with a mass of 32.4356 g/Kg water at the same temperature and pressure. Under these conditions the ratio is equal to 1 and S=35. The practical salinity scale may be applied to values 0 through 42.00 psu at temperatures between 0 to 35 °C.
Specific Gravity (S.G.)
Specific Gravity, or relative density, is expressed as the ratio of the density of seawater, at a specific temperature, relative to the density of the same volume of pure water at a specific temperature.
The probes are secured with suction cups to the back of an aquarium (tank) and are suited for continuous measurement of conductivity and associated parameters required in applications such as seawater, saltwater aquariums, or aquaculture.
Specifications
| pH | |
|---|---|
| Range | 0.0 to 14.0 pH - (depending on electrode capabilities - see individual specifications) |
| Resolution | 0.1 pH |
| Accuracy | ±0.2 pH |
| Calibration | Manual or automatic two-point calibration in 7.01 and 10.01 pH |
| ppt | |
| Range | 0.0 to 70.0 ppt (g/L) |
| Resolution | 0.1 ppt (g/L) |
| Accuracy | ±1.0 ppt between 0.0 ppt and 40.0 ppt±2.0 ppt between 40.0 ppt and 70.0 ppt |
| Calibration | Automatic, single point in 35.00 ppt |
| PSU | |
| Range | 0.0 to 70.0 PSU |
| Resolution | 0.1 PSU |
| Accuracy | ±1.0 PSU between 0.0 and 40.0 PSU±2.0 PSU between 40.0 and 70.0 PSU |
| S.G. | |
| Range | 1.000 to 1.041 S.G. |
| Resolution | 0.001 S.G. |
| Accuracy | ±0.001 S.G. |
| Temperature | |
| Range | 0.0 to 50.0 °C |
| Resolution | 0.1°C |
| Accuracy | ±0.5°C |
| Compensation | Automatic, 5 to 50°C |
| Alarm | |
| pH | High or Low with enable or disable options |
| EC | High or Low with enable or disable options |
| Temperature | High or Low with enable or disable options |
| High/Low value | with High/Low alarm enabled |
| Probes | pH – HI-1286; EC - attached |
| Power supply | 12 vdc adapter (included) from 115 Vac, and 230 Vac |
| Environment | 0 to 50°C; RH max 95%, non-condensing |
| Casing | IP65 ingress protection |
| Dimensions | 125 x 185 x 38mm |
| Weight | 300g |
| Ordering information | HI-981520 Marine monitor is supplied with HI-1286 pH electrode; attached EC and Temperature probe; pH7.01 buffer solution 20ml x2; pH 10.01 buffer solution 20mL x 2; 35.00 ppt salinity calibration solution 20mL x 2; electrode cleaning solution 20mL x 2; suction cap with clip x 2; self-adhesive fasteners x 2; 12 Vdc power adapter; quick reference guide with QR code for manual download and instrument quality certificate. |
| HI-1286 | pH Electrode |
| pH range | 0 to 13 pH |
| Junction Type/Flow Rate | PTFE |
| Type of Electrolyte | Polymer |
| Body material | PEI |
| Tip shape | Spherical (diameter: 7.5mm) |
| Matching pin | No |
| Max. Pressure | 3.0 bar |
| Temperature Sensor | No |
| Cable | coaxial; 2m |
| Connector Type | BNC |
| Outer Diameter | 12mm |
| Overall length | 160mm |
| Temperature Operating Range | 0 to 80°C |
| Amplifier | No |
| Fixed Probe | EC and Temperature probe specifications |
| Range | 0.0 to 70.0 ppt; 0.0 to 70.0 PSU; 1.000 to 1.041 S.G. |
| Recommended operating temp | 0 to 50°C |
| Body | Polypropylene |
| Conductivity Sensor | Material: ABS; Electrode: Graphite |
| Temperature Sensor | AISI 316 Stainless Steel |
| Outer Diameter | 12.50mm |
| Overall length | 155mm |
| Maximum pressure | 3 bar (44 psi) |
| Cable type/length | Coaxial/2m |
| Connection | Fixed to the monitor |
Downloads

Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers to help you choose the right water testing solution with confidence
Which brands of water testing kits do you supply?
Do you provide kits for both home and professional use?
Yes — whether you’re a pool or spa owner, aquarium keeper, utility company, or a university laboratory, we have the right solution for your needs.
Can I arrange servicing or calibration for my photometer?
Absolutely. We also provide servicing and calibration to keep your photometers accurate and reliable.
How quickly do you dispatch orders?
Orders placed before 2:30 pm (Monday–Friday) are dispatched the same day. We also ship on Saturdays for your convenience.
Which couriers do you use for delivery?
We deliver through UPS, DPD, and Royal Mail. You can also choose to upgrade to next-day delivery at checkout.
What is your return policy?
We accept returns within 14 days of delivery provided the items are unused, in their original packaging, and in resalable condition. Please contact our team before returning any items.
Can I place bulk or business orders?
Yes, we welcome bulk, trade, and institutional orders. For tailored pricing or large quantities, please get in touch with us directly.
How can I get help if I’m unsure which kit to buy?
You can call us at 📞 +44 (0)115888 2726 and our team will guide you in choosing the most suitable kit for your needs.