ZOMG my pH is 8.65!! (Solved:bad calibration solution)

Discussion in 'Water Chemistry' started by exactlyobp, Apr 12, 2012.

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  1. malac0da13

    malac0da13 Torch Coral

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    I would say 7.9 also.
     
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  3. exactlyobp

    exactlyobp Giant Squid

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    I feel much better now, thanks :)

    So I started to dose some Alk today, slowly. And I ordered Milwaukee calibration solutions (7.01 and 10.01).
     
  4. sticksmith23

    sticksmith23 Giant Squid

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  5. exactlyobp

    exactlyobp Giant Squid

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    It was 6.4dKH (2.3meq/l). But it should be around 7.0 now. :)
     
  6. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

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    Wait!! I thought you were never supposed to put your ph probe into RO/DI water!? In my manual it goes out of its way to tell you not to use RO/DI but only tap water.
     
  7. exactlyobp

    exactlyobp Giant Squid

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    Well it's too late. Does anybody know why it should be done by tap instead of RODI?
     
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  9. Thatgrimguy

    Thatgrimguy Flying Squid

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    Yeah, the calibration on the apex is only to be trusted if it is less than 30 days out. I had the same panic attack a few months back.
     
  10. ingtar_shinowa

    ingtar_shinowa Giant Squid

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    that sounds weird to me i figure tap water can contain all sorts of different stuff depending where you live
     
  11. Biocube

    Biocube Giant Squid

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    It says RO/DI should not be used for storage but after that statement it says to use TAP water. :-/

    "NOTE: Do not let the tip of the pH probe dry out as damage to the probe will result. If you are not using your pH probe for an extended period of time, make sure the tip is submerged in Probe Storage solution at all times. If storage solution is not available, tap water can be used (RODI water should not be used)"

    Also here are the steps Apex recommends to do, it mentions to use TAP WATER. :-/

    To calibrate a pH probe:
    1. Acquire the proper pH calibration solution packets and place in aquarium water (unopened) to acclimate them to the system temperature.
    2. From the Apex Display, open the pH calibration menu: Setup – pH Setup – pH Calibrate.
    3. If you have more than one pH probe enabled on your system, use the up/down arrow keys to choose the probe you wish to calibrate, press Select or OK.
    4. Use the up/down arrow keys to select the value of the Low Calibration Solution used, push Select.
    5. Dry the Low Calibration Solution packet off and carefully open the corner of the low solution, just enough to get the pH probe inserted in the packet.
    6. Remove the pH probe to be calibrated from the tank, rinse it in probe storage solution (or tap water), gently shake the excess solution off the probe, and place the probe in the Low Calibration Solution. Periodically swirl the probe in the solution to ensure an accurate reading. Ensure the probe is submerged in calibration solution at all times.
    7. Wait for the low reading to stop changing. This may take a few minutes up to 5 minutes depending on the type and condition of pH probe being calibrated. The value of the reading while calibrating may not match the value of the solution being used, this is normal. Once the reading has stabilized, press Select or OK.
    8. Use the up/down arrow keys to select the High Calibration Solution used, push Select.
    9. Dry the High Calibration Solution packet off and carefully open the corner of the low solution, just enough to get the pH probe inserted in the packet.
    10. Remove the pH probe from the Low Calibration Solution, rinse it in probe storage solution (or tap water), gently shake the excess solution off the probe, and place the probe in the High Calibration Solution. Periodically swirl the probe in the solution to ensure an accurate reading. Ensure the probe is submerged in calibration solution at all times.
    11. Wait for the high reading to stop changing. This may take a few minutes up to 5 minutes depending on the type and condition of pH probe being calibrated. The value of the reading while calibrating may not match the value of the solution being used, this is normal. Once the reading has stabilized, press Select or OK.
    12. The Apex system will use the calibration measurements to calibrate the pH probe.
    13. The calibration fluid can be used to calibrate more than one probe however the pH calibration should be discarded after use as they will degrade over time after opening.
     
  12. exactlyobp

    exactlyobp Giant Squid

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    Do you think Ive messed up my pH probe????