Ph meter storage

[Deweys Dad]

My Milwaukee Ph meter came in the mail today, and it says to keep the probe wet. Do you guys just keep salt water in the cap? Fresh water (NOT deionized or distilled, I know)?

 

[szwab]

the best for storage is to keep it in 4.0 calibration fluid. why not just keep it in the sump though?

 

[jdm01]

I keep mine (a pinpoint) in the sump all the time. The values change between day and night so I track both. Besides, it is a nuisance to take it in and out of the tank.

 

[Indermark]

I have the Milwaukee pH meter and thought that it meant that while in use to make sure the probe is wet. Are you talking about the hand held one that is yellow with a black cap? I just recently got mine a couple of weeks ago and I set it at 7.0 with the Milwaukee 7.01 buffer solution. It always says my pH is 7.8. My corals are doing fine and growing. I don't know if I am calibrating it correctly or what???

 

[Deweys Dad]

I have the same Milwaukee meter Indermark. There is a max immersion level so just setting it in the sump really doesn't sound like a good idea to me, unless I can somehow attach it to the side. The back of the package says always keep the probe wet with water.

 

[szwab]

use a piece of styrofoam with a hole in it to keep it floating on the top of the water but imersed enough to get readings and keep the probe wet.

 

[Indermark]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7519624#post7519624 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Deweys Dad
I have the same Milwaukee meter Indermark. There is a max immersion level so just setting it in the sump really doesn't sound like a good idea to me, unless I can somehow attach it to the side. The back of the package says always keep the probe wet with water.

I don't have a sump installed yet. I really don't know where your getting that. I know about the maximum level you can put it in water. I guess i'm asking now do i fill the cap with the buffer solution to always keep the probe wet even when not in use?

 

[szwab]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7524338#post7524338 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Indermark
I don't have a sump installed yet. I really don't know where your getting that. I know about the maximum level you can put it in water. I guess i'm asking now do i fill the cap with the buffer solution to always keep the probe wet even when not in use?

yes, otherwise it will go bad.

 

[Deweys Dad]

I don't have a sump installed yet. I really don't know where your getting that.

I was referring to someone's suggestion to just keep it in the sump.

I guess i'm asking now do i fill the cap with the buffer solution to always keep the probe wet even when not in use?

The instructions say only to keep it wet, they mention nothing about keeping it in the buffer solution. For now I just have saltwater in my cap.

 

[szwab]

wet is ok. the 4.0 solution is the best option to keep the probe in the best condition.

 

[Deweys Dad]

You just put some in the cap? Perhaps I should get some...

 

[szwab]

yep, takes the place of ro or salt water. I think it has a limited shelf life though might want to change it out every few months (not sure if that is needed or would help)

 

[Ploppers]

I bought some storage solution from Dr. Foster & Smith. The bottle I have has an expiration date of October of 2009.
I just put enough in the cap to soke the sponge. So far so good.

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_Display.cfm?siteid=6&pCatId=4512

 

[szwab]

my understanding is the shelf life goes down significantly once opened. the Oct date may be for a sealed product.

 

[Ploppers]

Doh, I didn't think of that. Could be.

 

[ouiskariverdude]

I use a pH meter in my line of work nearly daily. Yes, water will work, however don't use salt water. Salt water is essentially "dirty water" and will eventually foul the bulb. Szwab is right, pH 4 cal solution is the best option, it is free of anything that might settle out, and has a low pH which will clean the probe, or not allow anything to deposit. The expiration dates are fairly arbitrary, I've used cal solution that was 3 years or so out of date in a previously callibrated meter and it was spot-on. Indermark, you might need to do a two or three point callibration if you are concerned with the accuracy. A two point of 7 and 10 might work for you, however if you stilll have problems try doing a 4, 7, 10, that will certainly work. One point callibrations aren't sufficient.

 

[HAMsmith]

I second ouiskariverdude, I'm also a geologist who uses pH meters at work. I'm a bit more ghetto though and usually use a damp paper towel or sponge.

 

[Indermark]

ouiskariverdude. Thanks for the info I think I will start to use the 4.0 solution in my cap. I guess a 4 and 7 test will be okay or is it more accurate for a 7 and 10?

 

[mlukason]

I agree with the geologists...keep the probe in calibration buffer. It's important not to let the probe dry out. Make sure to check the probe every no and then to make sure the solution is still in the cap.