Replacement probes…

[Fisherman Joe]

How often should you replace the pH, Redox, Temp and/or Conductivity probes?

Don’t feel like paying £80 per probe. Anyone know of a cheaper alternative?

Do we actually need to replace them? I find all of these parameters to be inessential other than temp.

 

[ingchr1]

When they fail, become erratic or can longer be calibrated.

For pH I use an Apera 201DJ-C (currently $43 at Amazon). I have one on my P4 and one on my Mini Wi-Fi. Been using them for a few months. Just note that the cable is only 3ft long, so if your controller is farther away than that you will need an extension cable. I use a GHL sensor extension cable.

 

[ingchr1]

Like you, I found conductivity and Redox to not be of any use to me. So those probes I no longer use.

pH I have some use, more so on my freshwater tank, but really don't pay much attention to it on the reef tank.

 

[Fisherman Joe]

Think ill just keep calibrating it until I no longer can.

 

[Lasse]

When they fail, become erratic or can longer be calibrated.

Think ill just keep calibrating it until I no longer can.

That´s my tactic too. Normally GHL:s pH probes works for years. I have tested many pH probes during the more than 40 years I have been working with water. GHL:s and an old type from Dupla have been the best for continuous readings - even compared with industrial ones. The one I use now to monitoring my tank is more than 4 years old. I normally calibrate when I see values that´s not are expected. My pH electrode to my KH director is on its 4 year too. However - sooner or later - a replacement is needed because of the electrolytes inside them get old or the glass membranes get too dirty- The same with redox electrodes. However the conductivity should be valid for many many years - if the platina electrodes is cleaned now and then. No electrolyte inside these.

Sincerely Lasse

 

[Fisherman Joe]

That´s my tactic too. Normally GHL:s pH probes works for years. I have tested many pH probes during the more than 40 years I have been working with water. GHL:s and an old type from Dupla have been the best for continuous readings - even compared with industrial ones. The one I use now to monitoring my tank is more than 4 years old. I normally calibrate when I see values that´s not are expected. My pH electrode to my KH director is on its 4 year too. However - sooner or later - a replacement is needed because of the electrolytes inside them get old or the glass membranes get too dirty- The same with redox electrodes. However the conductivity should be valid for many many years - if the platina electrodes is cleaned now and then. No electrolyte inside these.

Sincerely Lasse

Thanks Lasse

If it’s good enough for you, it’s good enough for me!

 

[Ming_]

May I also ask if there are any expiry dates to the calibration solutions?
Possible to calibrate using generic calibration solutions from Amazon or do i have to use those supplied by GHL?

That´s my tactic too. Normally GHL:s pH probes works for years. I have tested many pH probes during the more than 40 years I have been working with water. GHL:s and an old type from Dupla have been the best for continuous readings - even compared with industrial ones. The one I use now to monitoring my tank is more than 4 years old. I normally calibrate when I see values that´s not are expected. My pH electrode to my KH director is on its 4 year too. However - sooner or later - a replacement is needed because of the electrolytes inside them get old or the glass membranes get too dirty- The same with redox electrodes. However the conductivity should be valid for many many years - if the platina electrodes is cleaned now and then. No electrolyte inside these.

Sincerely Lasse

 

[ingchr1]

Other pH calibration solutions I have purchased have had expiration dates on them, so take that for what it's worth. Salinity should not expire, ensuring there is no evaporation. I don't remember if other ORP solutions have had expiration dates on them or not, probably did. May be a good question to post up in the Chemistry section of the forum.

You can use any calibration solutions. I do not use the GHL ones.

For pH, the most recent solutions I purchased were from Biopharm on Amazon. I have a freshwater tank and brew beer so I get the kit with 4, 7, 10 and storage solution.

Biopharm

Incorporated in 1977, Biopharm Inc. supplies laboratory chemicals and solutions to a wide range of industries. We manufacture many standard laboratory solutions and reagents. We also manufacture “custom” products to meet unique requirements for specific situations. Our goal is to supply quality...

www.amazon.com

 

[Lasse]

The same experiences as @ingchr1 However there is a tip if you do not want your salinity standards to evaporate. Suck it up in a 20 - 50 ml syringe when you first open it up and use a cover for the tip.

Sincerely Lasse