Specifications

Application

Aquariums (Freshwater & Saltwater)

Maintaining stable pH is critical for the health and longevity of aquatic life. In both freshwater and saltwater aquariums – especially in sensitive environments like reef tanks – fluctuations in pH can lead to stress, illness, or even death in fish, corals, and invertebrates. The Milwaukee MC120 PRO provides an ideal solution for aquarists who need constant, accurate pH monitoring without the hassle of daily manual testing.

The unit is frequently praised by aquarium hobbyists and professionals for its "set it and forget it" reliability. By continuously displaying the pH value and triggering visual alarms if the reading goes out of the desired range, the MC120 PRO allows users to act before problems arise – whether due to CO₂ swings, overfeeding, equipment malfunctions, or water chemistry imbalances.

This monitor is especially valuable in:

·       Reef tanks, where pH stability directly affects coral health and calcification.

·       CO₂-injected planted tanks, where tight control is needed to avoid acidification.

·       Fish breeding systems, where consistent pH supports reproductive health and fry development.

·       Aquaculture operations, where water quality directly impacts productivity.

How to Use the MC120 PRO in an Aquarium Setting

1. Mount the Monitor
• Choose a stable, dry location near your tank or sump to mount the MC120 using the included bracket.
• Ensure the display is easily visible so you can monitor pH levels at a glance.

2. Connect the Probe
• Insert the MA911B/2 double-junction pH probe into the BNC connector on the monitor.
• Secure the probe in the aquarium or sump using a probe holder or suction mount, ensuring it stays submerged at all times. Avoid placing it near return nozzles or areas with air bubbles to prevent inaccurate readings.

3. Power Up
• Plug in the 12 VDC power adapter. The monitor will immediately begin displaying real-time pH values.

4. Calibrate the Unit
• Perform a two-point manual calibration using fresh pH 7.01 and pH 4.01 (or 10.01) buffer solutions.
• Follow the user manual instructions to adjust the calibration trimmers until the correct values are shown.

5. Set the Alarm Range
• Define your ideal pH range (e.g., 7.8–8.3 for a reef tank) using the front panel high/low adjustment knobs.
• If pH falls outside this range, the LED alarm will flash to alert you.

6. Regular Maintenance
• Rinse the probe with distilled water weekly.
• Keep the probe submerged at all times during use.
• Calibrate monthly or as needed to maintain accuracy.

With the MC120 PRO, aquarists no longer have to rely solely on manual testing kits or worry about silent pH swings. It provides an extra layer of protection, helping you create a healthier, more stable environment for your aquatic life.

Hydroponics & Recirculating Farming

In hydroponics and recirculating farming systems, pH is one of the most critical variables affecting nutrient uptake and plant health. Even slight imbalances can lock out key nutrients, slow down growth, or cause deficiencies and toxicity. The Milwaukee MC120 PRO is designed to continuously monitor the pH of your nutrient solution in real time, providing an efficient and proactive way to manage your growing environment.

Unlike handheld testers or test kits that require manual measurements, the MC120 PRO is installed directly into your system – typically in the nutrient reservoir or a recirculating flow area – allowing growers to maintain optimal pH without daily checks. If the pH drifts out of the desired range (due to nutrient additions, biological activity, or water evaporation), the built-in high/low pH alarm alerts you immediately.

This tool is particularly valuable for:

• Commercial hydroponic growers managing large or multi-bay systems.
• Small-scale and home growers looking to improve consistency and reduce labor.
• Recirculating aquaponic systems, where fish waste affects pH and plant nutrient availability.
• Automated setups, where the MC120 can be paired with dosing pumps for real-time adjustments.

With consistent pH control, plants can absorb nutrients more efficiently, grow faster, and produce higher yields – making the MC120 PRO an essential part of any precision farming setup.

How to Use the MC120 PRO in Hydroponic Systems

1. Mount the Monitor
• Choose a protected location near your reservoir or grow system to mount the MC120 using the included bracket.
• Position the display so it’s visible during system checks or nutrient adjustments.

2. Install the pH Electrode
• Connect the MA911B/2 pH probe to the monitor using the BNC connector.
• Submerge the probe directly into the nutrient reservoir or in a return flow chamber.
• Use a probe holder or grommet to keep the probe securely in place and fully immersed at all times.

3. Power the Monitor
• Plug the unit into a standard outlet using the included 12 VDC power adapter.
• The monitor will instantly begin displaying the real-time pH level of your solution.

4. Calibrate for Accuracy
• Perform a two-point calibration with fresh pH 7.01 and 4.01 (or 10.01) buffer solutions.
• Adjust the trimmers on the monitor to match the solution values. Repeat regularly for best performance.

5. Set the pH Alarm Range
• Use the high/low setpoint dials to define your ideal pH range (e.g., 5.5 to 6.5 for most crops).
• If the nutrient solution moves outside this range, the flashing LED alarm will alert you to take action.

6. Maintain the Probe
• Rinse the probe with distilled water weekly to prevent buildup from fertilizers.
• Avoid allowing the probe to dry out – store it in proper storage solution when not in use for long periods.
• Calibrate monthly or more frequently during intensive growing periods.

With the Milwaukee MC120 PRO, growers can eliminate guesswork and manual testing from pH management. It brings automation and precision to your hydroponic or recirculating farm, supporting healthier plants, better yields, and a more efficient growing process.

Laboratory & Industrial Water Quality

Accurate and reliable pH monitoring plays a crucial role in laboratories and industrial settings – whether it’s for R&D, water treatment, chemical processing, or environmental compliance. The Milwaukee MC120 PRO is designed to meet these needs with lab-grade accuracy and continuous monitoring in a compact, easy-to-install format.

In research labs, maintaining the correct pH during chemical reactions, solution preparation, or biological experiments is essential for reproducibility and safety. In industrial environments, even small pH deviations can lead to corrosion, scaling, compromised product quality, or regulatory violations.

The MC120 PRO’s ±0.2 pH accuracy across a full 0.00 to 14.00 pH range makes it a dependable choice for:

• Laboratory testing stations monitoring buffers, solutions, or treated water.
• Small-scale industrial processes, such as plating, brewing, wastewater pretreatment, or cooling towers.
• Quality control points, where continuous pH measurement adds an extra layer of assurance.
• Pilot plants or test environments, where real-time data helps fine-tune chemical dosing or process parameters.

Its built-in LED alarm provides immediate visual feedback if the pH moves out of the acceptable range, helping teams react quickly to avoid system damage or downtime.

How to Use the MC120 PRO in Laboratory & Industrial Settings

1. Mount the Monitor
• Install the MC120 in a dry, visible location near your testing area, bench station, or process tank using the included mounting bracket.
• Ensure that staff can easily view the digital display and access the calibration trimmers when needed.

2. Position the Probe
• Connect the MA911B/2 double-junction pH probe to the monitor using the BNC connector.
• Place the probe into the tank, sample chamber, or beaker where continuous pH monitoring is required. Use a clamp or holder to secure the probe and prevent shifting.

3. Power the Unit
• Plug in the included 12 VDC adapter. The monitor will begin displaying the real-time pH reading immediately.

4. Calibrate for Precision
• Perform a two-point manual calibration using fresh buffer solutions (pH 7.01 and 4.01 or 10.01) depending on your measurement range.
• Use the calibration trimmers on the front panel to adjust readings until they match the solution values.

5. Set High/Low Alarms
• Use the dials on the monitor to define your target pH limits.
• If the measured pH moves outside this range, the LED warning will flash – prompting timely correction or intervention.

6. Routine Maintenance
• Rinse the probe with distilled water after each use, especially when measuring different chemical solutions.
• Periodically clean the probe using an appropriate pH cleaning solution to remove buildup or residue.
• Always store the pH electrode in proper storage solution when not in use to maintain its sensitivity.
• Recalibrate regularly (weekly or monthly) depending on frequency of use and process criticality.

With the Milwaukee MC120 PRO, laboratories and industrial users gain a cost-effective, dependable solution for real-time pH monitoring. Its accuracy, alarm system, and ease of installation make it a practical choice for applications where stability, compliance, and process efficiency are non-negotiable.

Educational & Teaching Setups

In classrooms, science labs, and university research programs, teaching students about water chemistry often involves hands-on experiments with real-time monitoring of pH levels. The Milwaukee MC120 PRO pH Monitor is a practical, user-friendly tool that allows educators to introduce fundamental chemical principles while familiarizing students with professional-grade instrumentation.

Its durable double-junction electrode, manual calibration, and continuous digital readout make it ideal for:

·       High school chemistry labs teaching the basics of acids, bases, and buffer systems

·       University-level environmental science or biology courses monitoring water quality

·       Technical schools or vocational training in fields like agriculture, aquaculture, or laboratory operations

·       Demonstrations in outreach programs or science fairs

Unlike more fragile or complex benchtop meters, the MC120 PRO is straightforward to install, easy to calibrate, and built to withstand repeated student use. The visual LED alarm adds an interactive learning element – making it easy for students to observe how pH levels change and respond to external variables like chemical additions or CO₂ exposure.

It supports active learning, where measuring isn’t just a theory but a visible, measurable process.

 How to Use the MC120 PRO in Educational Environments

1. Setup & Mounting
• Mount the unit on a lab wall, benchtop stand, or demonstration board using the included bracket.
• Ensure the display is easily visible for group instruction or individual use.

2. Connect the pH Probe
• Plug the MA911B/2 double-junction electrode into the BNC connector.
• Place the electrode into a sample container, beaker, or experimental setup.
• Use a clamp or probe holder to keep the sensor stable and fully submerged.

3. Power Up
• Plug the unit into a standard outlet with the supplied 12 VDC adapter.
• The monitor will begin showing the real-time pH level immediately.

4. Calibration for Accuracy
• Perform a two-point manual calibration using fresh pH buffer solutions (commonly pH 7.01 and 4.01 or 10.01).
• Let students observe the calibration process to understand how sensors are standardized.
• Adjust the front panel calibration knobs to match buffer solution values.

5. Set Alarm Thresholds
• Turn the high/low dials to define an ideal pH range for the experiment (e.g., 6.0–8.0).
• Use the LED alarm to help students visually understand pH drift during the experiment.

6. Maintenance & Learning Practice
• Rinse the probe after each class or activity with distilled water.
• Encourage students to record results over time and note how external factors affect pH.
• Store the electrode tip in pH storage solution when not in use to preserve its accuracy.

By incorporating the Milwaukee MC120 PRO into educational settings, instructors give students access to real-world tools that reinforce theoretical knowledge with practical, visible results. It turns abstract chemistry concepts into interactive experiences – ideal for inspiring curiosity, encouraging scientific thinking, and preparing future professionals.