pH meters work based on comparison to known quantities. That comparison is established using buffer solutions with a known pH. To properly use a pH meter, you have to calibrate it for every measurement session using a known buffer solution. This will tell the meter what a 7.00 pH ‘feels’ like so that it knows what to expect when inserted into your sample. Without that buffering sample, the electrode will not have any reference for the voltages that will be created, and will therefore not be accurate. As noted above, electrodes don’t last forever. If you’ve had your meter for over a year and you find that your readings aren’t quite what you think they should be, you might have a bad electrode. That means you’ll need a new electrode or, in the case of a non-replaceable electrode meter, a new meter. As already noted, calibrating every time you use your meter is the best practice. But you also have to calibrate correctly. If you’re measuring something that is basic, always calibrate first using the 7.00 pH reference buffer and the 10.00 pH buffer to establish a proper reading. If you’re measuring something on the acidic side, calibrate using the 7.00 pH reference buffer first and then use the 4.00 pH buffer. Many customers forget to refill that smaller cap with storage solution before putting their meter away after use or, worse, will even store it without the cap. This will dehydrate the electrode, necessitating a rehydration process. Don’t store to electrode dry!

ESSENTIALS EC METER - Free Delivery available - Hytec Hydroponics ESSENTIALS EC METER - Free Delivery available - Hytec Hydroponics

When you take a sample to test, make sure you take enough to submerge the entire electrode and that your sample holder is deep enough to accommodate the electrode. It’s a simple fix, but super important. Testing at the wrong temperature Another reason to cool your sample is that electrodes degrade faster at higher temperatures, meaning shorter electrode life. And in fact, have an upper limit of functioning. You cannot use your pH meter on anything hotter than 122°F (50°C) or it will burn out. Keep a good thermometer on hand for your pH testing and wait until the sample is at room temperature (about 70°F or 21°C) for best results. ConclusionYou will need to calibrate your Essentials pH Pen Meter using a Buffer 7 bottle (the meter includes a small pouch). Simply dip your meter in buffer 7, and then hold down the calibration button until the display says CAL. The Essentials pH Meter will then calibrate the device. Prepare your buffers. You will generally need more than one buffer for calibrating a pH meter. The first will be a “neutral” buffer with a pH of 7, and the second should be near the expected sample pH, either a pH of 4 or 9.21. Buffers with a higher pH (9.21) are best for measuring bases, whereas buffers with a low pH (4) are best for measuring acidic samples. Once you have chosen your buffers allow them to reach the same temperature as the pH meter because pH readings are temperature dependent. Pour your buffers into individual beakers for calibration. [3] X Research source Whether you’re looking for replacement pH probes, pH probe care kits, pH calibration solutions or other accessories, we have the product that you’re looking for. All our pH care products include clear instructions, so you can take care of pH meter maintenance with ease. Price match promise, we won't be beaten On price at Hytec Horticulture as we are committed to offering the best range of hydroponic products at the best possible prices. If you’re a brewer or a home cheesemaker, chances are you don’t come to ThermoWorks just for our best-in-class thermometers. You probably also love our great selection of pH meters!

Calibrate and Use a pH Meter - wikiHow How to Calibrate and Use a pH Meter - wikiHow

The PH-200 by HM Digital is one of the more expensive options out there for pen-type pH meters, but for the serious hydroponic gardener, it is well worth the extra cost knowing that you have something that is extra accurate and reliable. The PH-200 is waterproof, tested up to a rating of IP-67 (ie. it can be submerged in water up to 1m). It also comes with a clear cap so that the all-important electrodes can be monitored for wetness during storage. Like most pH meters, it has all the standard utilities like auto-off to conserve battery levels, a data-hold function that allows you to hold a pH reading if you can't immediately see the display (very useful for less accessible nutrient solutions), and a low-battery alert. Clean your electrode. Take the electrode out of its storage solution and rinse it with distilled water under an empty waste beaker. Once rinsed, blot dry with Kimwipes or Shurwipes, which are available at most office supply stores. [1] X Research source Why don’t we make an electrode that doesn’t burn out and need replacing? The answer is that this technology simply doesn’t exist yet. As it stands, there are physical constraints on the system that prohibit the creation of longer-life or permanent electrodes. Current pH electrodes have a lifespan of about one year or up to 18 months at the most (with less frequent use). If you properly care for your electrodes, you’ll still need to replace them roughly annually. That said, there are things you can do to avoid damaging your pH electrodes. They can be fairly fragile and require a little extra TLC, which we’ll discuss below. Common pH Meter Mistakes and How to Avoid Them Either way, you need to be aware that the electrodes in your pH meter are going to wear out. pH meter electrodes are like old-fashioned candescent light bulbs: over time they just ‘burn out,’ no matter how carefully you use them. With non-replaceable electrode meters, it means you’ll need to buy a new meter in about a year’s time. But with replaceable electrode meters, it means you’re going to have to buy replacement electrodes to keep your pH meter working long term. pH Meter Electrode Lifespan When you remove the electrode cap from your meter, there will be a tiny amount of storage solution that clings to the electrode. Do not wipe it off. Why not? Because what the pH meter is actually measuring are tiny, tiny changes in electrical potential. If you wipe the surface of the bulb, you can induce a tiny static electrical charge on the surface of the glass. Though minuscule, this static charge can be large enough to throw your readings off.Essentials pH Meters are used for measuring the pH value of your nutrient solution. These handy meters are very easy to use simply turn on the unit and dip the probe in your nutrient tank, the digital display will then tell you your ph level. Set the pH. Once you have a stable reading, set the pH meter to the value of the buffer's pH by pressing the measure button a second time. Setting the pH meter once the reading has stabilized will allow for more accurate and tuned readings. [4] X Research source All plants need a balanced diet of nutrients (food) so that they can reach their full potential. The pH (potential Hydrogen) of your nutrient solution plays a pivotal role in making these elements available to your plants. That’s why you need to regularly measure pH; if your medium is too alkaline or too acidic, your plant won’t be able to access all the nutrients they need. pH meters work by taking readings of the pH levels of a solution. They are equipped with sensors, which when immersed in a liquid give the reading of what levels the solution is at. It is pivotal to regularly calibrate the machine/sensors as it is a scientific piece of equipment which requires simple maintenance.

Essentials pH Meter - Straight up Hydroponics Essentials pH Meter - Straight up Hydroponics

It is easy-to-use as you can just dip the sensor into the test solution - stir and wait. This unit will deliver a stable reading in about 20 seconds. The meter has a minimum lifespan of about 1 to 3 years depending on the rate of sampling. The energy-saving feature shuts off the tester when it is not in use. Place your electrode in the buffer with a pH value of 7 and begin reading. Press the “measure” or calibrate button to begin reading the pH once your electrode is placed in the buffer. The ESSENTIALS pH Meter is truly the most rugged glass type pH tester around. It is water and drop resistant.

To prevent dehydration, be sure to fill the smaller with storage solution and secure the cap tightly over the electrode after each use. If your electrode does dry out, soak it overnight in storage solution to resuscitate it. It will probably work again, but repeated dehydration is bad for the electrode and will shorten its lifespan. Simple Calibration using VitaLink Essentials Calibration Fluid - Some meters can be complicated to calibrate. Simply dip the probe in the solution and press the CAL button until CAL appears onscreen.