Help with electronic pH meter

[Plato1]

I just got an American Marine pinpoint pH monitor from someone tearing down their tank. I have a few problems I was hoping you guys/gals could help with. 1st of all, I don't have any way to calibrate the meter because I don't know where to get the fluids, not to mention how I'd go about doing it b/c I don't have a manual. Also, isn't there supposed to be some buffer solution that goes in the actual probe?

If you guys know where I can get the buffer solutions, or a manual it would help a lot. Thanks.

Plato

 

[Chucker]

The probe does not need buffer, as it is gel-filled. On the other hand, you should never let the bulb dry out, as this will greatly shorten the useful life of the probe.

Most of the online stores carry calibration solutions, and they run about a dollar a packet. Each packet can only be used once, and you'll need one each of 7.00 and either 10.00 (preferred) or 4.00.

To calibrate the meter, rinse the probe with DI water, and immerse it in a fresh packet of 7.00 solution. Check the back of the packet for the proper pH reading at the solution's temperature. Adjust the hi-pot on the front of the monitor with a small screwdriver until the reading on your monitor matches that on the packet. Be sure to give the monitor a few seconds to stabilize between adjustments. Rinse the probe with DI water again, and then follow the same procedure for the second buffer, and rinse after completion.

 

[phillips]

I found them at DrsfosterSmithPetWarehouse. $6.95 ea. You need 2 different solutions to do the calibrating right. 7ph, and either 10ph or 4ph. Championlighting sells solutions in foil packets for $0.99. They're one time use only, but you only need to calibrate the unit every few months.

 

[jdeets]

Also, as Chucker mentioned, if the probe was dried out, it's probably no good any more. You can get calibration fluid also at Aquatic Technology online. Get some calibration fluids and see if you can calibrate it. If you can't, then the probe is probably shot from drying out and you'll need to get a new probe for it. HTH

 

[Plato1]

Thanks for all the help. The probe isn't dried out, I just remember from when I did research that our pH probe had to be filled with a buffer type solution. I was just figuring since I needed to buy the calibration fluids I could just get the gel, but since it's not close to drying out and the bulb is not dry all is ok.

Once again, thanks.

 

[lawndoctor]

That Pet Place sells 4 ounce bottles of the calibration solutions (made by Coralife) for $3.99 each. More economical than the packets.

 

[pez]

I would not recommend the bottles from Coralife. The samples become unstable once exposed to air, so you will not get an accurate reading once they have been opened. I'm fairly sure this only affects the 10.0, but not 100%.

-Tom