PH testing

jamest0o0 · 11/09/2008, 06:03 PM

What do most people use?

WaterKeeper · 11/09/2008, 06:05 PM

Any number of low cost meters. The Pinpoint pH meter is very popular but there are many others available.

jamest0o0 · 11/09/2008, 06:15 PM

I'm assuming I'd need to calibrate the pinpoint meter? I'm sort of confused on what to do with these because I've always tested my PH with the kits, but it is a pain.

WaterKeeper · 11/09/2008, 06:39 PM

Try This for an explaination.

crvz · 11/09/2008, 06:57 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by jamest0o0
I'm assuming I'd need to calibrate the pinpoint meter? I'm sort of confused on what to do with these because I've always tested my PH with the kits, but it is a pain.

You do have to calibrate them if you want very accurate results, say ever 2-3 months. The probes also have a limited life, so they need to be replaced periodically (every 2 years or so would be wise).

tmz · 11/09/2008, 06:58 PM

A ph monitor is one of the most useful pieces of equipment I have.

WaterKeeper · 11/09/2008, 07:04 PM

I'd be inclined to calibrate it every day that I use it; but that's just me.

I talked more about it Here

jamest0o0 · 11/09/2008, 09:11 PM

Thanks everyone. So I'd need storage solution and then the calibration solutions.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...12&pcatid=4512

Would it be better to get the calibration packets or the buffer solution?

The one last thing I wasn't sure about is whether you always keep it in the tank or do you take it out when you are done checking it?

tmz · 11/09/2008, 09:29 PM

Some dip and test. I keep mine in the tank asdo most of the folks I know.

jamest0o0 · 11/09/2008, 09:54 PM

Alright thanks.

jamest0o0 · 11/09/2008, 10:50 PM

WHat is the difference between the PH buffer solution and the calibration packets?

WaterKeeper · 11/10/2008, 07:27 AM

The packets are calibrating buffers just in dry form. They have a longer shelf life than liquid buffers.

jamest0o0 · 11/10/2008, 02:13 PM

Does it say somewhere how long they last?

tmz · 11/10/2008, 02:30 PM

Probes last from 6 months to a year. Monitors last indefinitely.

jamest0o0 · 11/10/2008, 02:49 PM

My fault for not being more clear, I meant the calibration solution.

tmz · 11/10/2008, 03:34 PM

I use it for one set of calibrations for two probes over the course of 30 to 40 minutes. Don't know if you can repackage it and use it again. I think probably not since equilibriation with the air would likely throw it off.

WaterKeeper · 11/10/2008, 06:15 PM

In general liquid solutions of pH 9 and above don't last very long as the carbon dioxide in the air will slowly lower their pH. Just sitting in the open overnight can make a noticeable drop in pH. Always keep the bottle tightly capped. Lower pH solutions are far move stable but after about 6 months or so they often get bacterial growth in the solution and that can cause them to deteriorate.

Dry buffers, especially those in the little foil packets, are far more stable and can probably last for a couple years. Once mixed with water that changes and they are no more stable than the liquid buffers.

jamest0o0 · 11/10/2008, 09:01 PM

Alright, I think I will go with the packets then. Thanks all

WaterKeeper · 11/11/2008, 05:49 PM

Welcome. And I aways advocate dry humor.

11/09/2008, 06:03 PM	#1
jamest0o0 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,325	PH testing What do most people use?

11/09/2008, 06:05 PM	#2
WaterKeeper Bogus Information Expert Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 16,147	Any number of low cost meters. The Pinpoint pH meter is very popular but there are many others available. __________________ "Leading the information hungry reefer down the road to starvation" Tom Current Tank Info: 130 Now out of service and a 29

11/09/2008, 06:15 PM	#3
jamest0o0 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,325	I'm assuming I'd need to calibrate the pinpoint meter? I'm sort of confused on what to do with these because I've always tested my PH with the kits, but it is a pain. __________________ Planning on new tank, been about 5-6 years since I've been in the hobby

11/09/2008, 06:39 PM	#4
WaterKeeper Bogus Information Expert Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 16,147	Try This for an explaination. __________________ "Leading the information hungry reefer down the road to starvation" Tom Current Tank Info: 130 Now out of service and a 29

11/09/2008, 06:58 PM	#6
tmz ReefKeeping Mag staff Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: West Seneca NY Posts: 27,691	A ph monitor is one of the most useful pieces of equipment I have. __________________ Tom Current Tank Info: Tank of the Month , November 2011 : 600gal integrated system: 3 display tanks (120 g, 90g, 89g),several frag/grow out tanks, macroalgae refugia, cryptic zones. 40+ fish, seahorses, sps,lps,leathers, zoanthidae and non photosynthetic corals.

11/09/2008, 07:04 PM	#7
WaterKeeper Bogus Information Expert Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 16,147	I'd be inclined to calibrate it every day that I use it; but that's just me. I talked more about it Here __________________ "Leading the information hungry reefer down the road to starvation" Tom Current Tank Info: 130 Now out of service and a 29

11/09/2008, 09:11 PM	#8
jamest0o0 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,325	Thanks everyone. So I'd need storage solution and then the calibration solutions. http://www.drsfostersmith.com/produc...12&pcatid=4512 Would it be better to get the calibration packets or the buffer solution? The one last thing I wasn't sure about is whether you always keep it in the tank or do you take it out when you are done checking it? __________________ Planning on new tank, been about 5-6 years since I've been in the hobby

11/09/2008, 09:29 PM	#9
tmz ReefKeeping Mag staff Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: West Seneca NY Posts: 27,691	Some dip and test. I keep mine in the tank asdo most of the folks I know. __________________ Tom Current Tank Info: Tank of the Month , November 2011 : 600gal integrated system: 3 display tanks (120 g, 90g, 89g),several frag/grow out tanks, macroalgae refugia, cryptic zones. 40+ fish, seahorses, sps,lps,leathers, zoanthidae and non photosynthetic corals.

11/09/2008, 09:54 PM	#10
jamest0o0 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,325	Alright thanks. __________________ Planning on new tank, been about 5-6 years since I've been in the hobby

11/09/2008, 10:50 PM	#11
jamest0o0 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,325	WHat is the difference between the PH buffer solution and the calibration packets? __________________ Planning on new tank, been about 5-6 years since I've been in the hobby

11/10/2008, 07:27 AM	#12
WaterKeeper Bogus Information Expert Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 16,147	The packets are calibrating buffers just in dry form. They have a longer shelf life than liquid buffers. __________________ "Leading the information hungry reefer down the road to starvation" Tom Current Tank Info: 130 Now out of service and a 29

11/10/2008, 02:13 PM	#13
jamest0o0 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,325	Does it say somewhere how long they last? __________________ Planning on new tank, been about 5-6 years since I've been in the hobby

11/10/2008, 02:30 PM	#14
tmz ReefKeeping Mag staff Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: West Seneca NY Posts: 27,691	Probes last from 6 months to a year. Monitors last indefinitely. __________________ Tom Current Tank Info: Tank of the Month , November 2011 : 600gal integrated system: 3 display tanks (120 g, 90g, 89g),several frag/grow out tanks, macroalgae refugia, cryptic zones. 40+ fish, seahorses, sps,lps,leathers, zoanthidae and non photosynthetic corals.

11/10/2008, 02:49 PM	#15
jamest0o0 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,325	My fault for not being more clear, I meant the calibration solution. __________________ Planning on new tank, been about 5-6 years since I've been in the hobby

11/10/2008, 03:34 PM	#16
tmz ReefKeeping Mag staff Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: West Seneca NY Posts: 27,691	I use it for one set of calibrations for two probes over the course of 30 to 40 minutes. Don't know if you can repackage it and use it again. I think probably not since equilibriation with the air would likely throw it off. __________________ Tom Current Tank Info: Tank of the Month , November 2011 : 600gal integrated system: 3 display tanks (120 g, 90g, 89g),several frag/grow out tanks, macroalgae refugia, cryptic zones. 40+ fish, seahorses, sps,lps,leathers, zoanthidae and non photosynthetic corals.

11/10/2008, 06:15 PM	#17
WaterKeeper Bogus Information Expert Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 16,147	In general liquid solutions of pH 9 and above don't last very long as the carbon dioxide in the air will slowly lower their pH. Just sitting in the open overnight can make a noticeable drop in pH. Always keep the bottle tightly capped. Lower pH solutions are far move stable but after about 6 months or so they often get bacterial growth in the solution and that can cause them to deteriorate. Dry buffers, especially those in the little foil packets, are far more stable and can probably last for a couple years. Once mixed with water that changes and they are no more stable than the liquid buffers. __________________ "Leading the information hungry reefer down the road to starvation" Tom Current Tank Info: 130 Now out of service and a 29

11/10/2008, 09:01 PM	#18
jamest0o0 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 2,325	Alright, I think I will go with the packets then. Thanks all __________________ Planning on new tank, been about 5-6 years since I've been in the hobby

11/11/2008, 05:49 PM	#19
WaterKeeper Bogus Information Expert Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: SW Ohio Posts: 16,147	Welcome. And I aways advocate dry humor. __________________ "Leading the information hungry reefer down the road to starvation" Tom Current Tank Info: 130 Now out of service and a 29