pH meter upon delivery.

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!

Yes it needs calibration from the start

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

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

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!

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.

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

JaymazingUK said:

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

Click to expand...

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