pH Probes

**Puffer** · 07-07-2009, 01:23 PM

I have my Pinpoint pH for quite some time now and from what I understand the probe is supposed to be replaced every 6-12 months. Anyhow, my probe is probably about 18 months but it is still clean and works very well. I recalibrated it the other day and it seems to be showing pH on par with my test kits.

Should it be replaced regardless? and if so are there some cheper alternatives or sources?

BallZacFishkiller · 07-07-2009, 02:27 PM

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/...-ph-probe.html

here is a cheaper alternative to name brand

BallZacFishkiller · 07-07-2009, 02:28 PM

my thought was always if it aint broken dont fix it but i am not for sure on this one

**Puffer** · 07-07-2009, 03:54 PM

$29.99 seem like a normal price.

I read that if your meter holds the calibrated values the probe is good to keep. I have to dip it in the calibrating solution to see if its off and by how much. I don't really care if it shows 8.25 when it really is 8.31 so I have to see where I am at with it.

BallZacFishkiller · 07-07-2009, 05:08 PM

the ph probes i have been seeing were in the $50 range but then again maybe i am looking in the wrong places

BallZacFishkiller · 07-07-2009, 05:10 PM

Aquarium Supplies: ph probed looking at marine depot 29.99 is cheaper but not by much

**Puffer** · 07-08-2009, 08:12 AM

yeah the cheapest at MD is 44.99 so I guess BRS is a no brainder unless there are radical differences in their design/functioning.

**gsago1979** · 07-08-2009, 08:52 AM

I figure that is the manufacturers way of keeping in business if you only buy the product once they get no repeat business, but if they tell you to replace the probe every 6 months they get to make more money off of you...I have been using my PH Probe for over a year now with no issues, about every 3 months I check the calibration on it and its completely fine...

Im using a Hamilton PH Monitor and Probe.

gonzapa · 07-08-2009, 09:17 AM

If you are using it to monitor ph is fine but If you use it in a cacium reactor and it goes bad, then you will have your alkalinity go up the roof. I measured at 20 last week when I saw all these strange "calcium" formations appearing on the glass. It was not a pretty sight

**Puffer** · 07-08-2009, 12:36 PM

I only use it as pH monitor and nothing else. I checked calibration and it's fine. I'm going to keep using it until it craps out or isn't accurate.

My ph in the evenings is around 8.30-8.35 and in the mornings around 8.05-8.11. One thing I noticed with the PinPoint is that the pH is errenously posting higher when the battery low sign is on. At that point an actual 8.3 could be shown as 8.40 or even as high as 8.45 just before the battery dies completely.

I found posts about it on another forum so now that I am aware of it I change the battery as soon as I see the "lo bat" sign.

**BioCuber** · 07-08-2009, 03:12 PM

would a ph monitor be benefial in my small tank? I had not though about getting one but all this talk has got me thinking maybe i should invest in one.

**Puffer** · 07-08-2009, 03:15 PM

I would think so because small tanks are more prone to shifts due to smaller body of water. I glance at both temp and ph couple of times a day.

**BioCuber** · 07-08-2009, 03:26 PM

cool, i will try and find one as soon as possible, i know i will need one since i just set up my 2 part dosing pump last night

**Puffer** · 12-07-2009, 01:46 PM

Spoke to a guy who deals with LAB equipment and he says another sign to check if the probe is going is when the reading keeps on "drifiting" before being steady.

example:

New probe.

If you remove from a solution with 7.00 ph and put it in a solution of 8.00 the reading would go like this

7.00...7.34......7.89.....8.00 within seconds

OLD probe, same scenario

7.00.....7.15.....7.18.......7.26.....7.45......7. 54......7.60.....7.73.......7.81.....7.91...7.94.. ...7.95.....7.97.....7.98...... you get the idea

**gsago1979** · 12-07-2009, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Puffer

Spoke to a guy who deals with LAB equipment and he says another sign to check if the probe is going is when the reading keeps on "drifiting" before being steady.

example:

New probe.

If you remove from a solution with 7.00 ph and put it in a solution of 8.00 the reading would go like this

7.00...7.34......7.89.....8.00 within seconds

OLD probe, same scenario

7.00.....7.15.....7.18.......7.26.....7.45......7. 54......7.60.....7.73.......7.81.....7.91...7.94.. ...7.95.....7.97.....7.98...... you get the idea

Great insight thanks Puffer

Murfman · 12-07-2009, 02:33 PM

You can also take the probe and store it in 4.0 solution for 4 days, to reset its sensitivity.

**Puffer** · 12-07-2009, 09:18 PM

^^^ seriously? I still have my old probe so i'll give it a try.

Murfman · 12-10-2009, 09:10 AM

Let us know how it turns out. I think as long as the tip was not allowed to dry out it is supposed to work. One of our club members was told this by a lab tech. They buy the cheap probes and just keep soaking them and reusing them.

**Puffer** · 12-10-2009, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Murfman

Let us know how it turns out. I think as long as the tip was not allowed to dry out it is supposed to work. One of our club members was told this by a lab tech. They buy the cheap probes and just keep soaking them and reusing them.

I'll clean it up with a soft toothbrush and soak it over this weekend (at least 48 hours). Will post results next week to see if the prove is more responsive.

Murfman · 12-10-2009, 05:23 PM

Supposed to be for 4 days or 96 hours.