pH probe from storage...is it still functional?

[ZoWhat]

I know this is a subjective topic...and true answer lies in hooking the dang thing up....

But I just uncovered a pH probe I didn't know I had.

Probably 2yrs in storage among my reef things.

Still in the box.....BUT! the cap (which has never been removed) only has 1/2 the fluid to keep the probe tip wet. Its been laying on its side in the box like pictured below

You subjectively think it might still be a good probe?

 

[Brew12]

I know this is a subjective topic...and true answer lies in hooking the dang thing up....

But I just uncovered a pH probe I didn't know I had.

Probably 2yrs in storage among my reef things.

Still in the box.....BUT! the cap (which has never been removed) only has 1/2 the fluid to keep the probe tip wet. Its been laying on its side in the box like pictured below

You subjectively think it might still be a good probe?

It may have lost a little accuracy, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. Not sure I would trust it for controlling anything but I suspect it will be fine if you only want to track your pH. I would calibrate it around a month after you first start using it to check and see how much it drifts.

 

[Porpoise Hork]

Only way to tell is by comparing results it provides with other known accurate testing methods. The other thing to consider is how long will it remain accurate if it still is. Over time all probes will fail and with it sitting in the original packing container for so long there is no way to be certain on it's expected life span.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

As long as there is liquid in there, there's a good chance it is OK. Dry storage kills them, however.

If it calibrates and can read the calibration solutions OK, it's good to go.

 

[ZoWhat]

Thanks everyone. I'll reply in a few days to report how it panned out