PH calibration Solution

[WhatCouldGoWrong71]

I’ve been buying and using this brand and size container for about a year now. I takes me about 6 months to go through 2/3. The 4 lasts a year (CARX). Does this lose potency at all once I open the containers?

 

[Miami Reef]

pH 10 solutions are prone to decreasing from repeated CO₂ exposure. Opening and closing the bottles will speed its entry over time. pH 7 and 4 and much more stable and resistant.

You can still use bottled pH 10 solutions. Just don’t dip the probe directly inside or leave it exposed for prolonged periods.

 

[Malcontent]

I've been using tablets by Lovibond. Each is mixed with 20 mL of RO/DI or distilled water to make a small amount of pH buffer. It's just enough for a single use.

 

[Miami Reef]

I've been using tablets by Lovibond. Each is mixed with 20 mL of RO/DI or distilled water to make a small amount of pH buffer. It's just enough for a single use.

That’s pretty neat. Where do you buy them?

 

[WhatCouldGoWrong71]

Thanks @Miami Reef. I don’t dip in the bottles, I pour some out. I’ll see if I can find a smaller sized 10 and just buy more bottles.

 

[Miami Reef]

Thanks @Miami Reef. I don’t dip in the bottles, I pour some out. I’ll see if I can find a smaller sized 10 and just buy more bottles.

I’m sure the way you’re doing it is good. There shouldn’t be an issue IMO. As long as you close the bottle afterwards.

I personally buy individually sealed packets, but I might try bottles for curiosity to see how they compare long term.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thanks @Miami Reef. I don’t dip in the bottles, I pour some out. I’ll see if I can find a smaller sized 10 and just buy more bottles.

When you get a new batch, check the pH of the old batch. I reused buffers for years this way.

 

[Malcontent]

That’s pretty neat. Where do you buy them?

I buy Lovibond stuff from novatech-usa but they don't usually have free shipping so a small order may not be worth it. There are no name brands of pH powder on Amazon but I don't know if they're any good.

As already mentioned, you can also get individually sealed pouches of liquid pH buffer. They still provide more than you need for one calibration though.

 

[WhatCouldGoWrong71]

When you get a new batch, check the pH of the old batch. I reused buffers for years this way.

@Miami Reef

Interesting situation. I ordered new buffers (4,7 and 10). But the smallest bottle size rather had, 250mil. I haven’t tested the old bottles yet, I will tomorrow. But, I clearly have expired buffers, and have been using them. I had a really hard time getting my CARX to melt media. I couldn’t get my dKH above 15 for anything let alone, check out these graphs. My new look down system, had free been showing some high PH and I was scratching my head. Same thing, check out the graph. You can see where I recalibrated and how wildly off I have been. 18 hours later my effluent is well over 35 dKH.

 

[Miami Reef]

If pH 10 solutions are lower than reality, it will lead to the pH false highs, assuming the 7 is accurate.

 

[WhatCouldGoWrong71]

If pH 10 solutions are lower than reality, it will lead to the pH false highs, assuming the 7 is accurate.

I use 4 & 7 for my CARX and 7 & 10 on the tank. I’m thinking the 7 could be the culprit, at a minimum.