Apex pH probe question.

[sergifed91]

I recently recalibrated my apex prone cause I thought it might need recalibrated. But noticed the last 24 hours it's still doing the jump for example. 7.83 then to 7.86 like it skips .03. also it also will go from for example 7.98 dips down to 7.97 then immediately back to 7.98. I find this very unnormal. I took a screen shot of the graph of the last 24 hours after I recalibrated the probe.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I recently recalibrated my apex prone cause I thought it might need recalibrated. But noticed the last 24 hours it's still doing the jump for example. 7.83 then to 7.86 like it skips .03. also it also will go from for example 7.98 dips down to 7.97 then immediately back to 7.98. I find this very unnormal. I took a screen shot of the graph of the last 24 hours after I recalibrated the probe.

If the change happens with lights lower or off, normal
There is also an error range and acceptable as to what you are getting

 

[sergifed91]

If the change happens with lights lower or off, normal
There is also an error range and acceptable as to what you are getting

im thinking the probe is going bad. I have had this apex unit for 4 years and I bought it used. so it could be my probe.

 

[vetteguy53081]

im thinking the probe is going bad. I have had this apex unit for 4 years and I bought it used. so it could be my probe.

I can say- I’ve had two probes fail on me not to mention salinity

 

[gbroadbridge]

im thinking the probe is going bad. I have had this apex unit for 4 years and I bought it used. so it could be my probe.

pH probes typically last 12-18 months. If yours is 4 years old time to toss and replace.

 

[sergifed91]

pH probes typically last 12-18 months. If yours is 4 years old time to toss and replace.

Yeah I find it funny that one minute it's at 8 ppm for pH and then it drops real quick to 7.98 for a minute then back to 8 ppm for pH. Got one ordered from brs.

 

[gbroadbridge]

Yeah I find it funny that one minute it's at 8 ppm for pH and then it drops real quick to 7.98 for a minute then back to 8 ppm for pH. Got one ordered from brs.

A good alternative is the Milwaukee se 220 probe which is rated for continuous use in saltwater. May be cheaper too.

 

[sergifed91]

A good alternative is the Milwaukee se 220 probe which is rated for continuous use in saltwater. May be cheaper too.

i ended up getting a new one. but im not sure about the reading quite yet. i'll see where in at when I get up and how it raises during the day time.

PINPOINT pH Replacement Probe - American Marine Inc.

 

[sergifed91]

if this shows higher ph than my old one and doesn't act like the old one. I think I calabrated it correctly and the readings will more correct. i hope I dont get wacky jumps with this one. for example. 7.83 then drops to 7.8 then back to 7.83 within 30 seconds like the old one did.

 

[sergifed91]

A good alternative is the Milwaukee se 220 probe which is rated for continuous use in saltwater. May be cheaper too.

This is where the probe is at ? I hope I calibrated it correctly.

 

[sergifed91]

The spike is coming off of the calibration. So it is at 8.33 ppm

 

[gbroadbridge]

This is where the probe is at ? I hope I calibrated it correctly.

First things first.

Is this fresh calibration fluid? Many folks reuse the original supplied but this is bad practice. I't not expensive to buy a 250ml bottle and that will last you for 20 calibrations. Use it and throw it.

The second calibration point should be above the pH you expect in the tank. GHL use 9.00, not sure about Apex.

The higher pH calibration fluids have even shorter life time as they absorb CO2 from the air. You may find that a pH 9 fluid is actually only pH 8.5 which will result in reading high.

Float the pH fluids in the sump so they match the tank temperature when calibrating.

After calibrating put the pH probe back into both calibration fluids one at a time and ensure they measure correctly.

If not, use a cleaning solution and do it over.

Unfortunately pH measurement is not plug and play.