pH meter upon delivery.

[JaymazingUK]

alright my dudes, I'm on my second pH tester (first of which died a couple days ago, just wouldnt turn on). Both items were the cheap option at around £13 on amazon.

My question is this: do pH meters require calibration upon delivery, or can I get some use before recalibration is needed?

My meter came with pH buffer powder and I've also purchased pH buffer 4 and 7, however, what I've read online advises that these buffer solutions must be mixed with DISTILLED water, which I do not have.

So...can i get an accurate reading without calibrating my new pH meter and if not, does the buffer solution HAVE to be made with distilled water or can I use tap water?

Thanks in advance my dudes!

 

[BobThe420Builder]

Yes it needs calibration from the start

But hey, try it in the calibration liquid before you calibrate it for fun

 

[Gastheblast]

Should say in the manual! But too be honest those cheap ones are not acurate at all

 

[JaymazingUK]

I kinda guessed that the cheaper options wouldnt be that accurate. Thank you for your answers. Are you able to advise on a good price range to look at for a beginner grower pH meter? Cheers!

 

[nunyabidness420]

Luck of the draw!
My cheap meter reads 5.4, my expensive one reads 5.5.
Both were spot on the first time I dipped them in calibration liquid.

 

[JaymazingUK]

Excellent. I've actually just read the pH buffer bottles and no distilled water required...

This is what I get for not reading everything before asking here

 

[nunyabidness420]

Excellent. I've actually just read the pH buffer bottles and no distilled water required...

This is what I get for not reading everything before asking here

Save some of that pH 4 solution so you can keep your probe tip wet in storage.