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10/28/2009, 01:51 PM | #1 |
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Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 237
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Brand new ph probe..calibrate?
Just had to replace a ph probe on my controller.
Does a brand new never used probe need to be calibrated or can I use it straight out of the box. No instructions in the box with the probe and the controller instructions says nothing about a new probe needing to be calibrated. So calibrate or not is the question |
10/28/2009, 02:25 PM | #2 |
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Yes. calibrate it with 7 & 10
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My cat's breath smells like cat food Member of the Boston Reefers Society Current Tank Info: 75g lps, 90g sps, 120g mixed, 180 nem tank, 300g reef, 600g up & coming reef |
10/28/2009, 02:48 PM | #3 |
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Location: Central NJ
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thats what I thought but wanted to make sure.
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10/28/2009, 04:29 PM | #4 |
Reef Chemist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Arlington, Massachusetts
Posts: 86,233
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Definitely calibrate.
I discuss how to calibrate here: Measuring pH with a Meter http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2004/chem.htm A Comparison of pH Calibration Buffers http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2005-02/rhf/index.htm
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Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef |
10/28/2009, 06:01 PM | #5 |
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it also depends on the pH controller/monitor one uses.
my reef fanatic pH controller uses calibration solutions 4 pH and 7 pH.
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The urge to save humanity is almost always a false front for the urge to rule it. H.L. Mencken Ben. Current Tank Info: 180g sps, 90g cube clam biotope. |
10/29/2009, 07:50 AM | #6 |
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Calibration at pH 4 and 7 is likely fine, but can introduce a bit more error when measuring pH above 7. The counter argument is that pH 4 fluids are more stable than pH 10 fluids, making up for the increased error with possibly better standards.
I compare the two methods in the article above. Some meters allow other pH values to be used, essentially any two or more fluids you want, like 8 and 9 or 5 and 8 and 12, etc. Never rely on single point calibration.
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Randy Holmes-Farley Current Tank Info: 120 mixed reef |
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