My ph meters keep showing different amounts and don't seem to respond to ph changes, but they always read the reference solutions correctly.

[AutoWonders]

I have drops and tried them, but they don't work in murky/brown water (Recharge's base is molasses). The pen meter I bought said you could calibrate it with just one solution, but I do have a 7 ph solution coming, so I'll do 4 and 7 before my next feed.

The higher priced meters normally use 7 solution first, followed by 4 solution during calibration. Not the same as the one screw cheaper meters check.

I've had all kinds of higher priced ph meters and the biggest problem they all had in common is they start drifting pretty badly. I have been using the Apera PH 60 and it has worked the best so far. It's been very consistent. The higher priced Bluelabs pen I have just hangs, collecting dust.

 

[Bantersaurus]

The higher priced meters normally use 7 solution first, followed by 4 solution during calibration. Not the same as the one screw cheaper meters check.

I've had all kinds of higher priced ph meters and the biggest problem they all had in common is they start drifting pretty badly. I have been using the Apera PH 60 and it has worked the best so far. It's been very consistent. The higher priced Bluelabs pen I have just hangs, collecting dust.

Oh, I didn't know that. I'll recalibrate them with 7 when I get it, then again to the 4. When storing the pens, should I leave them sitting in the 7 fluid? I've heard that it's better than using the 4 fluid.

I'm sure there are all kinds of better pens that aren't even that expensive, but like I said, I'm not going to spend much more money on this.

 

[AutoWonders]

Oh, I didn't know that. I'll recalibrate them with 7 when I get it, then again to the 4. When storing the pens, should I leave them sitting in the 7 fluid? I've heard that it's better than using the 4 fluid.

I'm sure there are all kinds of better pens that aren't even that expensive, but like I said, I'm not going to spend much more money on this.

7 and 4 solution is mostly used with the more expensive ph meters, not with the cheap meters. The expensive ph meters go through a different onscreen type of calibration. At least the ones you bought have calibration. I have a bunch of those cheapies and none need to be in storage solution. KCI is the storage solution I use for my expensive ph meters. They sit in that 24/7.

 

[Bantersaurus]

7 and 4 solution is mostly used with the more expensive ph meters, not with the cheap meters. The expensive ph meters go through a different onscreen type of calibration. At least the ones you bought have calibration. I have a bunch of those cheapies and none need to be in storage solution. KCI is the storage solution I use for my expensive ph meters. They sit in that 24/7.

Does that mean it won't work as well? As long as I can comfortably say that the ph is above 6 and below 7, I don't really need it to be exact. I was considering buying some KCl solution, but the costs are already piling up on this one. Would it be better to store it in neutral 7 solution or to store it dry?

Separate question for anyone - are meters that calibrate with a screw on the back better than the digital autocalibrate ones?

 

[elcoloan]

... I have been using the Apera PH 60 and it has worked the best so far. It's been very consistent. The higher priced Bluelabs pen I have just hangs, collecting dust.

Exactly the one I'm saving for. Have you had to change the probe yet?

 

[AutoWonders]

Exactly the one I'm saving for. Have you had to change the probe yet?

I think I smacked the probe area last year and needed to replace it. Certainly a nice aspect of the Apera. Wish all were probe replaceable.

 

[AutoWonders]

Does that mean it won't work as well? As long as I can comfortably say that the ph is above 6 and below 7, I don't really need it to be exact. I was considering buying some KCl solution, but the costs are already piling up on this one. Would it be better to store it in neutral 7 solution or to store it dry?

Separate question for anyone - are meters that calibrate with a screw on the back better than the digital autocalibrate ones?

Your ph meters don't sit in solution. You have two, so if you think anything funny is going on with ph, you can test it against the second meter. Perhaps down the road you might consider investing in different ph meter.

 

[Bantersaurus]

Your ph meters don't sit in solution. You have two, so if you think anything funny is going on with ph, you can test it against the second meter. Perhaps down the road you might consider investing in different ph meter.

I'm confused - you said above, "KCI is the storage solution I use for my expensive ph meters. They sit in that 24/7." I don't have KCl, but I do have 7 ph (neutral) solution. Wouldn't it better to keep them in that over leaving them to dry? Just about everyone else seems to be doing that.

 

[AutoWonders]

I'm confused - you said above, "KCI is the storage solution I use for my expensive ph meters. They sit in that 24/7." I don't have KCl, but I do have 7 ph (neutral) solution. Wouldn't it better to keep them in that over leaving them to dry? Just about everyone else seems to be doing that.

When you have completed checking ph with the meter that you bought, you rinse it, then you can blow dry it with your mouth, and then put the cap back on. That's it. The only solution/powder you use is for calibration.

 

[Bantersaurus]

When you have completed checking ph with the meter that you bought, you rinse it, then you can blow dry it with your mouth, and then put the cap back on. That's it. The only solution/powder you use is for calibration.

That doesn't seem right. I even remember being instructed on how to store the electrode in a ph meter in high school and college chemistry courses. Can anyone else confirm if they store their ph meter dry?