Recalibrate your Ph Meter!

[whichcat]

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.

 

[Wizzlebiz]

Good advise on the recalibration.

Il suggest keeping that Ph between 6.3-6.8

7.0 is to close to error.

 

[Gorillabilly]

yep, I been there. Learned this lesson years ago, when ph meters were shit. Something you won't forget.

 

[Dontjudgeme]

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]

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.

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

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

 

[MickFoster]

Needs no calibration and never wrong.

 

[Doug Dawson]

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.

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]

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]

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.

Good sound advice but 6.8-7.0 ph is not where you want to be inho

 

[Rooster91762]

Needs no calibration and never wrong.
View attachment 4661458

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]

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.

Accurate enough.......I've been using the drops for over 25 years without issue.

 

[Gastheblast]

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.

Sounds good. Gonna try that cause the storage solution dont work

 

[Gastheblast]

Needs no calibration and never wrong.
View attachment 4661458

I like it but im colour blind lol

 

[Dontjudgeme]

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

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

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]

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.

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

 

[DCcan]

Probably where they both happen to match output at low PH

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.

 

[Rooster91762]

Accurate enough.......I've been using the drops for over 25 years without issue.

Accurate enough.......I've been using the drops for over 25 years without issue.

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]

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.

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]

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.

Exactly, yea I have some back up's, I'm a bit redundant, a good quality to have as a grower