Problem with PH reading

[Leopardshark]

Hi I just calibrated my ph probe in my ACII.
I used some solutions that I bought about 2 years ago, but still were in the sealed envelope.
SO I calibrated the ph probe according to the instructions and the ph reading now is 7.3!!!
This is the first time I calibrate the probe, because the probe and ACII are about 6 months old and I bought a lab grade probe which is supposed to last longer.
The solutions are about 2 years old, but they were still in the original package (a metalic envelope) and still were closed, so unless the solutions might gone bad this shouldnÃ"šÃ‚´t be a problem. .
BTW, after reading the results, I opened another pair of solutions and results were the same.
When I introduce the probe in the 7 solution it will read 8.56 and when I introduce the probe in the 10 solution it will read 10.98.
I even left the probe in each solution about 20 minutes because it would change every minute or so.
IÃ"šÃ‚´ve calibrated it about 8 times and I get always the same result.
IÃ"šÃ‚´m not using a serial cable BTW.
Please help
Mark

 

[Leopardshark]

BTW, I donÃ"šÃ‚´t know what does this mean:
When power goes out, the AC will state at the right of the screen:
"at 6 " or "at 2", what does this mean??
Thanks

 

[clp]

Given those calibration numbers, I think that the calibration solution has a problem. I recommend getting some different cal solution and calibrating again.
The 'at 6' indicates that there was a power failure. The display flashed 'Power Failure at 6:00'; press the select button to redraw the screen.

Curt

 

[Leopardshark]

Ok, thanks,
IÃ"šÃ‚´ll order new calibration solutions.
I hope it will solve the problem. IÃ"šÃ‚´ll let you know.
Thanks
Marco

 

[Leopardshark]

Ok, so I just calibrated the PH probe today with new Milwakee solutions.
The probe is now reading 7.25
If it were a real parameter, I think all my tank should be dead (before calibrating it was reading 6.91).
I have tons of acros and other sensitive corals (such as Xenia pumpum) and they all look very happy and healthy.
So the probe is about 6 months old, just been calibrated and I donÃ"šÃ‚´t belive IÃ"šÃ‚´m getting good readings.
WhatÃ"šÃ‚´s next?
Thanks
Marco

 

[clp]

What values were displayed at the bottom of the screen during calibration? Do you have a serial cable plugged into your controller? If so unplug it a see if the pH reading changes.

Curt

 

[Leopardshark]

During calibration the values that were reading were the same than when I calibrated it for the first time, 8 ish for the 7 solution and about 11 for the 10 solution.
I donÃ"šÃ‚´t have a serial cable, never had.
Thanks

 

[clp]

I assume that the probe reads 7.0 and 10.0 in the appropriate calibration solutions. If not the probe is not calibrated. If it is calibrated OK, put the pH probe by itself in a cup of your tank water. If the reading different then something in the tank is interfering w/ the reading, otherwise the probe has a problem.

Curt

 

[Leopardshark]

Yeah, if I put the probe in 7 and 10 solution, it will read the correct reading.
I put the probe in a separate plastic container with tank water, the reading is the same 7.30 ish.

 

[Leopardshark]

No comments yet?

 

[clp]

It sounds like the probe has a problem and needs to be replaced.

Curt

 

[Leopardshark]

Ok, I got that.
I think it is under warranty right?
Should I PM you my address so you can send the replacement?
Thanks
Marco

 

[clp]

Probes have a 90 day warranty. If the probe is less than 90 days send an email to support@neptunesys.com, and I'll issue a RMA #. I'll need a copy of the invoice/sales receipt when you return the probe.

Curt

 

[Leopardshark]

Hi,
I bought the whole ACII set on 09/07/2005, so it is not under warranty anymore.
I got to tell ya that IÃ"šÃ‚´m kindda upset and dissapointed with your products and your service.
I spent $858.04 dollars for the ACII, lab grade probes, DC8, module interface, X10, modules, etc.
Lab grade probes are expensier than regular probes but they are supposed to last longer, give more accurate readings and they are better made right? Well, this probe lasted 6 months, so I wonder how long does the regular probes last, 3 months?.
Then I spent $156.95 dollars in the DC8, which I had to send back because there is callback due to a problem with some ground wiring or something else. I wrote a note to you when placing the order for the replacement and you never emailed me back. And to return it to you, I spent another $45 bucks in shipping.
Then, when asking you questions in this thread, you said this

I assume that the probe reads 7.0 and 10.0 in the appropriate calibration solutions. If not the probe is not calibrated. If it is calibrated OK, put the pH probe by itself in a cup of your tank water. If the reading different then something in the tank is interfering w/ the reading, otherwise the probe has a problem.

and you never responded to what I said after that, so I had to ask you if there were no comments yet and then you respond this:

It sounds like the probe has a problem and needs to be replaced.

Well, of course I knew there was a problem with the probe, cÃ"šÃ‚´mon, but I was expecting a solution or a real answer at least.
So then I had to ask you again if it was under warranty and you said no.
So a lab grade ph probe which is supposed to be the best around... lasts 6 months... that really dissapoints me.
And by the way, take a look at

this link

So IÃ"šÃ‚´m not the first one to pass thru this, and also there is another thread very near from this which is very similar to mine. I think you should stand for your products. I used to think that I bought a great product, IÃ"šÃ‚´m not so sure now.

IÃ"šÃ‚´ve dealt with many vendors regarding problems with the equipment, Icecap, Tunze, Hellolights, AquaC, etc. they all have been great to deal with, they send you new parts or replace the defective equipment no questions asked and even after a long period of time and always stand for their products. I think you should learn from them.

Please note that IÃ"šÃ‚´m not angry, IÃ"šÃ‚´m not using !!!!!! or capslock to imply IÃ"šÃ‚´m shouting. IÃ"šÃ‚´m dissapointed with your service and for not giving me a complete answer (if it was under warranty or not and why), rather than saying "The probe is defective" and waiting for me to make some logical questions about warranty or asking for solutions to make the probe work.

Thanks
Marco

 

[swannking]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7200588#post7200588 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Leopardshark
Yeah, if I put the probe in 7 and 10 solution, it will read the correct reading.
I put the probe in a separate plastic container with tank water, the reading is the same 7.30 ish.

Let me make sure. When you recalibrate your probe the second, the third or the forth time, it will read the 7 and 10 solution correctly? And then the tank reads 7.3? If so, I think the problem is the tank's pH and not the probe. May be you should double check it with a pH test kit to make sure.

 

[Leopardshark]

If your tank would have a 6.9 ph in the morning, I doubt all acros and other sensitive corals such as xenia would look healthy.
BTW, after 2-3 days, when I placed the probe in solution 7 or 10 it would give readings such as 7.30 or 9.5, if the probe was ok, there shouldnÃ"šÃ‚´t be such a difference after that period of time.
BTW, thanks for your comments.
Marco

 

[swannking]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7227810#post7227810 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Leopardshark
.......after 2-3 days, when I placed the probe in solution 7 or 10 it would give readings such as 7.30 or 9.5, if the probe was ok, there shouldnÃ"šÃ‚´t be such a difference after that period of time.
BTW, thanks for your comments.
Marco

You're right then. Something's wrong with the probe.

 

[clp]

Leopardshark,
Please send an email to support@neptunesys.com, and I'll issue a RMA #, and exchange your probe.

Curt

 

[Leopardshark]

Email sent.
Thanks!