Recalibrate your Ph Meter!

W

whichcat

New Member
Some people might get a little chuckle out of this, but for others it might be a wake up call.

So I just realized this morning, after weeks of issues with my first grow, that my plants have been suffering from a ph issue and I was unaware.

They showed all the signs of some sort of imbalance but every time I tested the water and run off, they were in range. I amended, replaced soil, changed the fan, stabilized temperature and RH, and still my girls are yellowing and looking sickly.

Well, today I recalibrated my digital ph meter. It’s been off by 0.2, so my 6.8-7 ph water has been too alkaline, which has been the range I’ve been staying in.

So recalibrate your damn meters! If you’re constantly having problems that don’t seem to be resolving, check HOW you’re monitoring them, check the accuracy, before you stress out your girls further.
 
Dontjudgeme

Dontjudgeme

Well-Known Member
I keep my ph pen been submerged in 7.0 calibration solution when not in use. I never have to calibrate my pen. Sometimes I will test it to be on the safe side, but it’s spot on every time.
 
DCcan

DCcan

Well-Known Member
Dontjudgeme said:
I keep my ph pen been submerged in 7.0 calibration solution when not in use. I never have to calibrate my pen. Sometimes I will test it to be on the safe side, but it’s spot on every time.
Click to expand...
Actually, if you don't have KCI storage solution ph 3.8, use 4.o calibration solution.
Anything wet but distilled water is the third choice.

Distilled water is for EC electrode storage

:arrow:Storage, cleaning,PH and EC meters

The concentration, PH of KCI is to get correct readings in seconds or just wait longer to stabilize.
4.0 molar for Bluelab
3.0 molar for Apera
1.0 Molar for Oakton
 
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Doug Dawson

Doug Dawson

Well-Known Member
whichcat said:
Some people might get a little chuckle out of this, but for others it might be a wake up call.

So I just realized this morning, after weeks of issues with my first grow, that my plants have been suffering from a ph issue and I was unaware.

They showed all the signs of some sort of imbalance but every time I tested the water and run off, they were in range. I amended, replaced soil, changed the fan, stabilized temperature and RH, and still my girls are yellowing and looking sickly.

Well, today I recalibrated my digital ph meter. It’s been off by 0.2, so my 6.8-7 ph water has been too alkaline, which has been the range I’ve been staying in.

So recalibrate your damn meters! If you’re constantly having problems that don’t seem to be resolving, check HOW you’re monitoring them, check the accuracy, before you stress out your girls further.
Click to expand...
I store my meter in storage solution and rarely need to calibrate but it is good advice. I also use the same drops MickFoster showed to compare every few times I mix my nutes to make sure it is still working correctly. It is also a good idea to float your ph up and down a few ticks each feeding for optimal nute intake.
 
DCcan

DCcan

Well-Known Member
I'm using 1.0 Molar storage solution for my Apera meter, works fine.
Just takes a couple seconds longer.

As long as its wet is the biggest thing.
Same with the EC meter, never turn it on dry.
Just soak it ten minutes, swish it around, it will be fine.
 
Rooster91762

Rooster91762

Well-Known Member
whichcat said:
Some people might get a little chuckle out of this, but for others it might be a wake up call.

So I just realized this morning, after weeks of issues with my first grow, that my plants have been suffering from a ph issue and I was unaware.

They showed all the signs of some sort of imbalance but every time I tested the water and run off, they were in range. I amended, replaced soil, changed the fan, stabilized temperature and RH, and still my girls are yellowing and looking sickly.

Well, today I recalibrated my digital ph meter. It’s been off by 0.2, so my 6.8-7 ph water has been too alkaline, which has been the range I’ve been staying in.

So recalibrate your damn meters! If you’re constantly having problems that don’t seem to be resolving, check HOW you’re monitoring them, check the accuracy, before you stress out your girls further.
Click to expand...
Good sound advice but 6.8-7.0 ph is not where you want to be inho
 
Rooster91762

Rooster91762

Well-Known Member
MickFoster said:
Needs no calibration and never wrong.
View attachment 4661458
Click to expand...
Not very accurate though. I guess it will get you in the 'neighborhood', I like being more precise with my ph numbers because they are so important. Stay away from those cheap $10 toys they sell on Amazon, get a mid level good one and you are set. I think mine was $50. well spent money, very accurate.
 
MickFoster

MickFoster

Well-Known Member
Rooster91762 said:
Not very accurate though. I guess it will get you in the 'neighborhood', I like being more precise with my ph numbers because they are so important. Stay away from those cheap $10 toys they sell on Amazon, get a mid level good one and you are set. I think mine was $50. well spent money, very accurate.
Click to expand...
Accurate enough.......I've been using the drops for over 25 years without issue.
 
G

Gastheblast

Well-Known Member
Dontjudgeme said:
I keep my ph pen been submerged in 7.0 calibration solution when not in use. I never have to calibrate my pen. Sometimes I will test it to be on the safe side, but it’s spot on every time.
Click to expand...
Sounds good. Gonna try that cause the storage solution dont work
 
Dontjudgeme

Dontjudgeme

Well-Known Member
DCcan said:
Actually, if you don't have KCI storage solution ph 3.8, use 4.o calibration solution.
Anything wet but distilled water is the third choice.

Distilled water is for EC electrode storage

:arrow:Storage, cleaning,PH and EC meters

The concentration, PH of KCI is to get correct readings in seconds or just wait longer to stabilize.
4.0 molar for Bluelab
3.0 molar for Apera
1.0 Molar for Oakton
Click to expand...
Out of curiosity, what’s the purpose of storing in such a low ph if that’s not the ph one waters with? I guess I could understand if I’m running a hydro set up, but in soil, I would never water with anything less than 6.5.
 
DCcan

DCcan

Well-Known Member
Dontjudgeme said:
Out of curiosity, what’s the purpose of storing in such a low ph if that’s not the ph one waters with? I guess I could understand if I’m running a hydro set up, but in soil, I would never water with anything less than 6.5.
Click to expand...
The PH meter has 2 probes, a reference electrode and a glass bulb electrode.
The manufacturer determines the materials, happens to be low PH point I suppose.

Probably where they both happen to match output at low PH
 
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DCcan

DCcan

Well-Known Member
DCcan said:
Probably where they both happen to match output at low PH
Click to expand...
Or to inhibit bacterial growth, thats more less likely after a couple bong hits of haze
Edit:
I think its just the electrodes dont deteriorate in KCI, and are responsive more than other solutions.

EC meter is different, just tap water if no distilled water is available.
 
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Rooster91762

Rooster91762

Well-Known Member
MickFoster said:
Accurate enough.......I've been using the drops for over 25 years without issue.
Click to expand...
MickFoster said:
Accurate enough.......I've been using the drops for over 25 years without issue.
Click to expand...
I hear ya, I've done the drops as well, but once I went digital I never looked back. no more measuring out 250ml of ro water to drop a few drops in the shake or stir then as I got older trying to strain my eyes to get a clear view of the real color, and the colors are close but not exact is it lighter or darker? Screw that, grab a pen stick it in get your # bada bing, done.
 
DCcan

DCcan

Well-Known Member
Rooster91762 said:
I hear ya, I've done the drops as well, but once I went digital I never looked back. no more measuring out 250ml of ro water to drop a few drops in the shake or stir then as I got older trying to strain my eyes to get a clear view of the real color, and the colors are close but not exact is it lighter or darker? Screw that, grab a pen stick it in get your # bada bing, done.
Click to expand...
Try that drunk or really stoned, too.
Gets old real fast for me but keep some PH paper there in case the pen fails'
That will get you thru a week for a new probe.
 
Rooster91762

Rooster91762

Well-Known Member
DCcan said:
Try that drunk or really stoned, too.
Gets old real fast for me but keep some PH paper there in case the pen fails'
That will get you thru a week for a new probe.
Click to expand...
Exactly, yea I have some back up's, I'm a bit redundant, a good quality to have as a grower ;-)
 
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