PH probes - Usage ?

[Tag]

I have been using Neptune's "standard grade" PH probes for along time now with a ACIII, but I have never seen any conversation about probe handling. I would like to see what other people are doing, so that I can set some guide lines for myself.

A few question that I have been wondering about is:

1) Do you use Standard or Lab grade? (is one actually much better than the other)

2) How often do you calibrate your probes?

3) How often do you replace your probes? (what warrants a replacement)

4) How often do you clean your probes?


Thanks for your input...............
Tag

 

[Wes]

1 - one story on lab grade is they can be submerged where as std are supposed to be partially out of the water, i just use std

2 - i test mine against solution about every 6 months and calibrate it if needed

3 - if it is having issue holding true, then replace it...they last if taken care of

4 - i dont particularly clean mine per say, when i test it i rinse it but thats about all

 

[DaveJ]

@Tag wrote:

1) Do you use Standard or Lab grade? (is one actually much better than the other)

I use standard.. though I bought lab grade with my AC3 originally. I've noticed no difference, but I would use a lab grade on a calcium reactor vs the monitoring function mine serve now.

2) How often do you calibrate your probes?

When I clean them, about every 2-3 months usually, or when I notice a lot of buildup on them.

3) How often do you replace your probes? (what warrants a replacement)

Once a year, if they need it or not. I replace my temp probe too and just do the pH as a package replacement step along with ORP.

4) How often do you clean your probes?

See #2... and I use probe cleaner I got on Marine Depot, its an acid and just set the probe in, 5 minutes later its clean. Rinse and calibrate afterwards.

 

[washingtond]

1) Do you use Standard or Lab grade? (is one actually much better than the other)

I have always used standard grade probes.

2) How often do you calibrate your probes?

About every six months.

3) How often do you replace your probes? (what warrants a replacement)

I replace my probes when a) they no longer calibrate, b) or when they become or give erratic with readings that are not caused by electrical interference. I have used pH probes for several years. By the way I also use a ground probe in the sump. One way to test a probe to see if it needs to be replaced is to place it in vinegar or 4.0 calibration solution and then into a 10.0 calibration solution and see how fast it takes to change. You should see a rapid change.

4) How often do you clean your probes?

About every three months.

 

[Tag]

Thanks so much for your post guys, I really like to know what other successful reefers in my area are doing - I am going to adjust my practices per your comments to be more within the lines. but.........
I guess I should state what my practices have been "right or wrong":

1)Never used Lab probes only standard
2)My PH is generally pretty stable, so when my probes are not reading what I think they should - I Check the calibration, and for the most part its off a little. The older the probe is the more this happens.
3)I replace them when the calibration doesn't hold very long - (I'm having to calibrating every month or every other month).
4)I have easy sight at my probes, so I clean them when I see them getting dirty.

Maybe others would like this............
After I began this thread, I found some information on RC about Standard vs. Lab grade. Hawkdl2 had some very informative information on this:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1752851


Thanks again,