Compact Meters with Laboratory-Grade Accuracy
Need to measure pH, conductivity or specific ions in the field? HORIBA’s LAQUAtwin range brings laboratory-grade accuracy to a pocket-sized instrument — the result of over 60 years of sensor engineering.
What sets these meters apart is HORIBA’s flat sensor technology. You can measure samples from 0.1 ml to 0.3 ml or micro-volume samples as small as 0.05 mL using the supplied sampling sheet — liquids, viscous samples, damp solids, plant sap, powders and even textiles. No beakers or labware required.
The LAQUAtwin series comprises 11 models covering more than 7 water quality parameters. It’s the only pocket-type meter range that measures specific ions directly using Ion Selective Electrode (ISE) technology, which makes it genuinely useful for agriculture, food production, aquaculture, environmental monitoring and more.
How Flat Sensor Technology Works
At the heart of every LAQUAtwin meter is an ultra-thin flat sensor — a HORIBA innovation that integrates the electrode, reference system and sample interface into a chip less than 1 mm thick.
Traditional pocket meters require full immersion of a probe tip, which means larger sample volumes and difficulty testing solids or pastes. The flat sensor takes a different approach: place a few drops of sample directly onto the sensor surface and measure immediately.
Practical advantages:
- Micro-volume measurement — test liquid samples from 0.1 mL to 0.3 mL depending on the parameter, or as little as 0.05 mL using Sampling Sheet B
- No sample preparation — measure on site without transfer to labware
- Versatile sample types — liquids, viscous samples, powder samples and solid surfaces all work
- Six sampling methods — drops, immersion, scooping, wiping, pressing and sampling sheets
The integrated sample container means fewer steps and less equipment to carry.
Built for Field Conditions
LAQUAtwin meters are designed to work reliably outside the laboratory:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Water/dust resistance | IP67 rated (waterproof, dust-tight) |
| Operating temperature | 5°C to 40°C |
| Humidity tolerance | Up to 85% relative humidity |
| Construction | ABS epoxy body with replaceable sensor |
| Weight | Approximately 100g |
| Power | 2 × CR2032 batteries |
| Battery life | Up to 400 hours continuous use (backlight off) |
| Display | Custom monochrome LCD with backlight |
Each meter ships in a carrying case with calibration solutions, dropper, and quick-start instructions.
The Complete LAQUAtwin Range
Australian Scientific stocks the full HORIBA LAQUAtwin lineup:
Water Quality Parameters
| Model | Parameter | Range | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| pH-11 / pH-22 | pH (acidity/alkalinity) | 0.00–14.00 pH | Soil testing, food processing, environmental monitoring |
| EC-11 | Conductivity / TDS | 0–19.9 mS/cm | Hydroponics, water quality, salinity screening |
| EC-22 / EC-33 | Conductivity | 0–199.9 mS/cm | Hydroponics, water quality, salinity screening |
| EC-33 | Conductivity / TDS | 0–199.9 mS/cm (TDS 0 to 9900ppm) | Hydroponics, water quality, salinity screening |
| Salt-11 / Salt-22 | Salinity | 0.0–10.0% | Food production, aquaculture, fermentation |
Ion-Specific Meters
| Model | Parameter | Range | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Na-11 | Sodium (Na¹) | 2 to 9900ppm (mg/L) | Food sodium content, soil analysis |
| K-11 | Potassium (K⁺) | 4 to 9900ppm (mg/L) | Plant sap testing, fertiliser management |
| NO3-11 | Nitrate (NO₃⁻) | NO3⁻: 6 to 9900ppm (mg/L) / NO3⁻-N: 1.4 to 2200ppm (mg/L) | Agriculture, water quality, hydroponics |
| Ca-11 | Calcium (Ca²⁺) | 0.1–5.0 mmol/L | Water hardness, plant nutrition |
| F-11 | Fluoride (F⁻) | 0.1 to 990 ppm (mg/L) | Industrial wastewater, drinking water compliance |
Features across the range:
- Auto-calibration that recognises standard solutions
- Automatic temperature compensation
- Auto-hold function that locks readings once stable
- Low battery indicator
How Customers Use LAQUAtwin Meters
Australian Scientific maintains a library of application notes showing these meters in action:
Salt Content in Foods
The Salt-11 meter quantifies salt levels in sauces, processed foods and fermented products. The method is straightforward: dilute the sample, place a drop on the sensor, and read the result. For food processors managing quality control and sodium labelling, it’s a practical alternative to sending every batch to a lab.
Download: Salt Content in Chili Sauce Application Note (PDF)
Rapid pH Measurement
The LAQUAtwin pH meter handles fast, accurate pH measurement from a single drop of sample. Application notes cover techniques for coconut coir, fermented foods, river water and brewing — useful references for growers, brewers and environmental scientists.
Nitrate and Potassium in Plant Sap
The NO3-11 and K-11 meters let agronomists and growers assess plant nutrient status in the field. Instead of waiting days for laboratory results, you can make fertiliser decisions the same day based on what the plant is actually taking up.
Download: Plant Sap Testing Application Note (PDF)
Fluoride in Industrial Wastewater
The F-11 fluoride meter provides reliable onsite analysis for environmental compliance. For industries with discharge limits, rapid screening helps avoid costly violations.
Download: Fluoride in Industrial Wastewater Application Note (PDF)
LAQUAtwin vs Laboratory Methods
For routine measurements, LAQUAtwin meters offer clear advantages over sending samples to a laboratory:
| Factor | LAQUAtwin Field Testing | Laboratory Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| Turnaround | Seconds | Days to weeks |
| Sample volume | 0.05–0.3 mL | Typically 50–500 mL |
| Equipment cost | $208 – $800 per meter | Thousands for equivalent capability |
| Consumables | Calibration solutions & electrode | Reagents, standards, consumables |
| Expertise required | Minimal — calibrate and measure | Trained technicians |
| Testing frequency | Unlimited on-site | Cost per sample adds up |
That said, pocket meters don’t replace laboratory analysis entirely. For regulatory reporting, referee testing or complex sample matrices, accredited laboratory methods are still necessary. But for routine monitoring, screening and real-time decisions, LAQUAtwin meters handle work that would otherwise mean delays or go undone.
The six sampling methods — drops, immersion, scooping, wiping, pressing and sampling sheets — make these meters adaptable to most sample types, from clear liquids to soil pastes to plant tissue.
Calibration Solutions and Accessories
Accurate results depend on proper care and maintenance. Australian Scientific stocks the full range of HORIBA calibration standards:
- pH buffer solutions — pH 4.01, 7.00 and 10.01 standards
- Conductivity standards — 1.41 mS/cm and other reference values
- Ion standards — sodium, potassium, nitrate, calcium and fluoride calibration solutions
- Sampling Sheet B — for micro-volume measurement down to 0.05 mL
- Replacement sensors — extend meter life with genuine HORIBA parts (e.g. pH sensor)
The auto-calibration function recognises standard solutions automatically. For critical measurements, calibrate daily. For routine screening, weekly calibration is usually sufficient.
View LAQUAtwin Calibration Solutions
Choosing the Right Meter
Which LAQUAtwin you need depends on what you’re measuring:
General water quality screening: The pH-11 and EC-11 cover the most common parameters for hydroponics, aquaculture and environmental monitoring.
Agriculture and crop management: The NO3-11 (nitrate) and K-11 (potassium) enable plant sap analysis for fertiliser decisions. Add the Ca-11 for calcium-sensitive crops.
Food production: The Salt-11 handles sodium monitoring in processed foods. The pH-11 supports fermentation control and quality assurance.
Industrial compliance: The F-11 fluoride meter addresses a regulatory requirement that few portable instruments can meet.
Not sure which meters suit your application? Contact Australian Scientific for advice.
Request a Quote
Australian Scientific is the authorised Australian distributor for HORIBA water quality instruments. We provide:
- Competitive pricing on all LAQUAtwin meters
- Full range of calibration solutions and accessories
- Technical support and application advice
- Fast shipping across Australia
Ready to order or need a formal quote?
Contact Australian Scientific | Phone: 1800 021 083
Australian Scientific Pty Ltd is the exclusive Australian agent for HORIBA water quality testing instruments including the LAQUAtwin pocket meter series, LAQUA benchtop and portable meters, and U-50 multiparameter systems.