pH "pen"

jsheffel · 11-09-2006, 12:55 PM

I am just getting started back up in the hobby after several years of not having a tank. I have one of those electronic pH "pens" that still turns on, but am sure that it is out of calibration. Can I rely on the distilled water I buy at the grocery store having a pH of 7.0?

tray262 · 11-09-2006, 01:23 PM

there companies that sell a calibration media.

**The R/C Man** · 11-09-2006, 08:27 PM

My RO/DI water reads 7.0. Maybe that is a good starting point....

dougc · 11-09-2006, 11:25 PM

Was the probe kept moist? Every pH monitor or tester I have had recommended that the probe be kept in 7.0 solution when not in use. I guess you could see if it is still ok by calibrating it and then comparing it to another pH monitor or even a pH test kit. I don't know how long a pH probe lasts, but Neptune recommends replacing the ones on the Aquacontroller every year. A pH pen might be different, though, since it is only occasionally used.

rayjay · 11-10-2006, 01:16 AM

You need two calibrating fluids, pH 7 and pH 10 to calibrate.
If the tip has not been kept moist, it probably won't read correctly, even after calibrating.

11-09-2006, 12:55 PM	#1
jsheffel Tenant Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Boca Raton, FL Posts: 85	pH "pen" I am just getting started back up in the hobby after several years of not having a tank. I have one of those electronic pH "pens" that still turns on, but am sure that it is out of calibration. Can I rely on the distilled water I buy at the grocery store having a pH of 7.0?

11-09-2006, 08:27 PM	#3
The R/C Man Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 704	My RO/DI water reads 7.0. Maybe that is a good starting point.... __________________ Greg 25 gallon reef with 20 gallon sump/fuge 375 gallon reef with 100 gallon sump/fuge: under construction Over time science has shown that the simplest answers are usually the correct ones.......

11-10-2006, 01:16 AM	#5
rayjay Citizen Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: London, Ontario, Canada Posts: 154	You need two calibrating fluids, pH 7 and pH 10 to calibrate. If the tip has not been kept moist, it probably won't read correctly, even after calibrating. __________________ *RAY'S REEF*

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
SEABay Mar15 - Rob Toonen - "Great Temp & Salinity Debate" & "Fish Nutrition&	tubs	Reef Aquariums	0	03-03-2003 11:47 AM
"FACTS NEEDED" Is there "HEAD" Pressure in a CLS?	platapus	Reef Aquariums	2	01-21-2003 05:18 PM
The "Holy Grail" of clams- 7"-8" Teardrop Maxima wallpaper (graphics intense!)	Palmetto	Reef Aquariums	11	12-12-2002 09:03 PM
WTB:(2)36"twin tube flour or(2)36"or(1)48" PC	Triggers	For Sale or Trade Zone	1	08-14-2002 04:49 PM
Lighting a 60"L x 17"W x 16"Tall anemone tank	DogueDeBordeaux	Lighting	0	08-31-2001 07:39 PM

11-09-2006, 01:23 PM	#2
tray262 Council Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Maryland Posts: 355	there companies that sell a calibration media.

11-09-2006, 11:25 PM	#4
dougc Contributing Member Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Cherry Hill, NJ Posts: 481	Was the probe kept moist? Every pH monitor or tester I have had recommended that the probe be kept in 7.0 solution when not in use. I guess you could see if it is still ok by calibrating it and then comparing it to another pH monitor or even a pH test kit. I don't know how long a pH probe lasts, but Neptune recommends replacing the ones on the Aquacontroller every year. A pH pen might be different, though, since it is only occasionally used.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)