Pinpoint monitor acting up.

[jay24k]

I purchased a bunch of things from you all and one of them is kind of acting wierd. I have noticed lately that my ph continually shows around 7.65. I took it out, rinsed it in tap water and then calibrated again with the solution. (It was the whole kit I bought). The low range was a bit high on the 7 (7.11) and the 10 range was close (9.9). I put it back in and it still shows the same. My lights turned off (3 x 250 watt MH 10K) and it doesn't even change. I can't believe the ph is that low even with the lights off.

I recently put it on battery because it would never read correctly with the lights on. It would jump all over the place. (Even in a different light outlet). I've only had it for maybe 2 months tops.

Do you guys recommend anything? I'd rather not replace a probe as these are supposed to last awhile. I also noticed one of the little plastic teeth around the glass sensor is broken. When I first calibrated it, everything seemed to work so I didn't think it was a big deal.

Thanks for any help

 

[MarineDepot]

Hi Jay24k,

Thank you for your order and inquiry. Were you able to calibrate the monitor back to the 7 and 10 with the calibration solution? Do you get different reading if you put the probe in a different solution (like tap water or RO/DI water)?

As far as pH in the aquarium, it is normally lower during the night time (lights out) as the algae in the tank respire during the night time (take in oxygen and release CO2). During the daytime (lights on) the algae photosynthesis (CO2 in, O2 out) causing a higher pH during the day time.

Another test you can try to see if the monitor/probe are working properly is to take a sample of water from your tank and test it away from the tank (or any electrical interference) and see what the pH comes out to. If the pH is still low, try aerating the water using an airpump and airstone. If over the next hour the pH rises in the sample, then you need to increase the circulation/aeration of you tank water as there is too much CO2 in the water.

Have you also tried testing newly mixed saltwater to see what pH you get for that?

Hopefully trying these tips out will help you, but if you still are not having luck, I would suggest calling or emailing American Marine directly. You can contact them at 1.800.925.4689 or visit them on the web at www.americanmarineusa.com

If there is anything else we can do for you do not hesitate to ask.

Keith M.
Marine Depot Customer Service
1-714-385-0080
http://www.marinedepot.com
customercare@marinedepot.com