Cleaning and Calibrating Probes

[rinconmike]

How often should you clean and calibrate the PH, Conductivity, and ORP probes?

I have not cleaned mine since since I initially set them up (april 2010). Readings have been consistent so I have not bothered.

thanks

 

[coralcruze]

taggin along

 

[Deleted member 143833]

If you want high accuracy then probes should be cleaned and calibrated at least once per month as part of your monthy routine.

Of course there is the other side which says when do I 'really' need to do this and that answer is much harder to nail down. If the probe is in the dark and not collecting algae you can go a bit longer, if it is in light and collects algae then a bit less. Readings going off the norm is an indication that the probe should be cleaned/calibrated and probe readings remaining in a normal range 'could' be an indication that the probe can be left a bit longer.

Sorry, no clear answer...

 

[aquamanic]

X2

I think what you'll find is that if your probe readings change dramatically after you re-calibrate, then you need to do it more often. If not, then you might be able to go a little longer. I've found in my tank (as Ken says, your mileage may vary) that about every 3 months works for me.

 

[schwaggs]

My probes (temp, pH, ORP) are in the sump and do not get any light. I clean them every 6 months or so and don't really see that much difference when they are calibrated. I don't "chase numbers" for pH and ORP and don't base any additives on them so I don't see the need to calibrate real often. If I was adding something to keep the pH at 8.3, or something like that, I would calibrate more often.

 

[liquidfunk]

I will occasionally dip a probe in a pH calibration fluid and see if reads the correct number, if so i put it back in place. Its a little quicker and easier than automatically recalibrating. If it reads correct I dont mess with it. It costs half the cost of 2 pouches of calibration fluid. Just be sure and rinse it before putting it back in action.

 

[Hawkdl2]

When pH probes begin to fail they respond to changes in pH slower, they do not read incorrectly - until they are well along in their death spiral. The proper way to check a probe is during during routine cleaning and calibration. Go through the calibration process in the normal way, but pay attention to the time it takes for the probe reading to stabilize after moving from the low pH calibration solution to the high pH solution. If it takes longer than ~30 seconds, the probe is either dirty or beginning to fail. All pH probes wear out and fail in this manner. "Lab" grade probes "usually" last longer then "standard" probes. Many people use probes well beyond their actual useful life because they seem to be giving them the reading they expect. This is OK as long as you don't use the pH reading to control anything critical, such as a Ca reactor.

Also, a great cleaning solution for the pH probe is the 4.0 calibration solution. Dip it and scrub the probe tip gently with a soft bristle toothbrush.

 

[sfboarders]

What are you guys cleaning your pH probe with? Vinegar? Curt recommended me to soak my conductivity probe with vinegar for 6 -12 hours just wondering if you can do the same with pH probe.

 

[Deleted member 143833]

Vinegar...

 

[mike_dani]

The only issue I have with probes would be the Temp. I have two of them in one system and when I place them in the same spot they read 1.1 degrees away from one another. I put both of them in an ice bath with one meat temp probe. I get the following readings

Normal operation
Temp probe 77.8
TempX Probe 78.9
meat probe 76.7

in the ice bath
Temp probe 42.2
TempX probe 43.1
meat probe 30.5

I would like to get all three to read the same but am afraid of calibrating the Apex probes at this point to the meat probe temp. The meat probe temp is correct in the Ice bath but the other two Apex are way off. any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[schwaggs]

I would calibrate your Apex probes to each other. Place them both in the exact same location in your system for 30 minutes and calibrate the low one up 1/2 way and the high one down 1/2 way. I would not trust a meat thermometer to be accurate at such low temps.

 

[mike_dani]

I would calibrate your Apex probes to each other. Place them both in the exact same location in your system for 30 minutes and calibrate the low one up 1/2 way and the high one down 1/2 way. I would not trust a meat thermometer to be accurate at such low temps.

Dam I wish I was that smart. Great idea thanks

 

[ryshark]

I've had my APEX for almost a year now, I think. And i have not yet re-calibrated or cleaned my probes(in sump with no light)....everything seems to be right on. But I think it is time, so white vinegar is fine for cleaning them?