Stink Bug
Well-Known Member
Most recommend around 36 months. And that time can shorten if say the bottle is left open for any extended period of time.
Bluelab ph pen dries out...
- Thread starter shiva71
- Start date
ANC
Well-Known Member
The bucket looks colored from the top, but try it, when you only have 5ml in the test tube it is pretty much clear.
since1991
Well-Known Member
Store your pH probe in kcl solution. Better than water. Keeps the probe "salty" but a sort of clean saltwater. Makes your pH probe last longer. Never store in r.o. water or any water that is close to zero. Not good. Kcl or calibration solution (4.0 or 7.0) is ideal. They are finicky instruments by nature. I use my Bluelab for everything and often. And its a love hate relationship for sure. To clean them use a mild detergent soap and a soft bristle brush. I like the Bluelab cleaning kit. Over 25 years now and Ive used every brand for field use out there except the FET pens which I might try soon. When they start slowing down or the bulb gets cloudy even after cleaning..its time for a new replacement. I grow in Rockwool drip to waste slabs and coco coir. My pH has to be 5.7 to 6.1 no matter what. Iam convinced that many growers problems and so called "nutrient deficiencies" with growing cannabis indoors is directly related to pH problems and either not paying attention to it or using a funky meter. In the past Ive seen rather large operations almost go to shit from mixing up a fresh batch of nutreint solution in the tanks and a wonky pH meter. A functioning and reliable pH meter is as important to hydroponics as the plant itself.
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Jypsy Dog
Well-Known Member
OldMedUser
Well-Known Member
If you're getting some stuff get some storage sol'n too. Doesn't cost much and can keep your pH pen working well for a lot longer. If the pen isn't going to be used for a long time it can be allowed to dry out but needs to soak in storage sol'n for at least 24 hours before starting to use it again.
If making calibration sol'ns from the powdered stuff that comes with some pens make sure to use distilled water to mix it up to make sure it it is the right pH once mixed. I just buy a jug each of 4 and 7pH sol'ns for about $7 each. Lasts for a long time and you can be pretty confident that it's right on the money.
thegambler
Well-Known Member
I have a BlueLab Tri-Meter, which measures pH, ppm and temperature of the fluid. These probes are all replaceable, but I can state if any of them dry out, they become trash. You can find them cheaper, if you search Amazon, Ebay, etc. I like these a lot, they stay calibrated for a long time, are easy to clean and last forever (if you don't let them dry out- LOL).
OldMedUser
Well-Known Member
PPM probes are supposed to dry out between uses and a temp probe shouldn't be bothered by drying out and I know from years of use with pH pens that they can dry out as long as re-hydrated properly before using again so that statement is fake news.
Most people just pull a pH pen out of the box and use it without learning anything about their care and maintenance then wonder why their gardens go to crap. I just use pH Perfect nutes so my pen sits waiting until I think I need it for something. Bought it 6 years ago and use it maybe once a year now and it still calibrates and reads fine.
since1991
Well-Known Member
And another tidbit of info. The bottles of 4..7..& 10 calibration becomes contaminated easily. Never pour back in used solution into the bottle. And soon as you open a bottle..your on borrowed time for accuracy. They expire quicker than you think amd its best to use once and done fresh calibration satchets. Heed these words.
Stink Bug
Well-Known Member
The 'bulbs' in pH measuring tools are permeable membranes, Just like many things in our grows and daily lives. Plant roots, peat moss. even the cells in our bodies, semi-permeable or permeable. They each respond differently to wet/dry cycles. Accuracy, health and longevity go hand in hand. Care along the way is the common factor to success.
Comparing one brand to the next is the same as comparing a defoliated plant to one thats not when it comes to yield comes too mind...
Comparing one brand to the next is the same as comparing a defoliated plant to one thats not when it comes to yield comes too mind...
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zem
Well-Known Member
I use the bluelab pen 3 years old now, and it is good as new. I keep it open all the time and dip it in a full cup of fert solution. This has kept it hydrated without having to worry about the two drops in the cap having dried out. It is a great instrument so far.
I have tried some of the cheap powders for ph buffers, and they sucked. The ph was not really 4 and not really 7. I resort to buying small liquid sachets 1$ each.
I have tried some of the cheap powders for ph buffers, and they sucked. The ph was not really 4 and not really 7. I resort to buying small liquid sachets 1$ each.
since1991
Well-Known Member
Just buy the 4.0 & 7.0 once and done satchets at the local hydro shop or online. There only like a buck or 2 apiece.This is what you want. Designed to make your meter as accurate as possible.
Jypsy Dog
Well-Known Member
since1991
Well-Known Member
You cany get the little Hanna satchets? Or any other brand? Its just buffer calibration. And you dont really want bottles of it. It contaminates and expires alot quicker than you think. You want fresh satchets. Once and done.