PH monitor calibration.

[fishboy]

Just wondering how often I should calibrate my pinpoint ph monitor? I've had it running 24/7 for about 6 weeks. I did a small water change tonight and put it in the fresh salt water out of curiosity. It seemed high so I checked it with the calibration fluid. It was .14 too high. Does this sound normal for the initial use?

[Doug]

I calibrate mine every couple months or so. Seems sometimes they wander bad and other times they dont. :confused:

Of course as the probe ages, it gets worse.

[chicki]

Thats one of the items I'd put in my "shouldn't have bought file"! I never trust it and always end up checking my ph the old way! so it really doesn't do me a lot of good!

[Aquattro]

As a quick test you can mix a small borax solution and it buffers to pH 9.2. Anytime I think the reading isn't right, I mix a batch of this to test it. Recipe available if anyone wants it.

[ldzielak]

Since I work in Pulp and Paper mills, I know pH is the most fequently re-calibrated equipment. Most mills do critical measurments weekly if not sooner.

Lee

[fishboy]

Reef Raf,

What's a borax solution? :confused: Some how it sounds like something that shouldn't get near my tank.

[Aquattro]

Borax is washing soda. Brand name is Twenty Mule Team and it can be used in combination with baking soda to raise your alk. Mixing it in purified water gives a pH of 9.2. Perfectly safe even if you splashed some in the tank. I'll post a link to Craig Bingman's article about it.

[Aquattro]

Here is the link

http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/2000/feb/bio/default.asp

[Doug]

Thanks Brad. I was trying to find it to post.