PH Meter Recommendations

[hig789]

Can someone recommend a decent ph meter? I have been looking at the Hanna pen from marine depot and the Milwaukee PH6000 pen from BRS. the Milwaukee has horrible reviews but some of the are obvious user issues. Trying to stay under $50 if it's possible.

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I don't have a particular brand to recommend as they are many and they are constantly changing model #'s.

Be sure it has at least two point calibration. At $50 or less, you won't get many other features (and don't really need them), but here's a discussion of other issues as well as how to use it:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2004/chem.htm

 

[hig789]

I don't have a particular brand to recommend as they are many and they are constantly changing model #'s.

Be sure it has at least two point calibration. At $50 or less, you won't get many other features (and don't really need them), but here's a discussion of other issues as well as how to use it:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/feb2004/chem.htm

Thanks for the link Randy. Mine is old and I bought it used so I'm not real confident in its readings. Seems to jump around and never settle on a number even in the calibration fluid.

A member on another forum hooked me up with this one.

http://www.coleparmer.com/Category/Oakton_Waterproof_pHTestr_20_Pocket_Tester/60300

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

That one looks like a very good choice!

 

[PedroYoung]

As a guy who makes a living selling pH analyzers I'll just say "keep the bulb wet". pH sensitive glass loses sensitivity quickly when it dries out, and I have seen some instruction manuals on these portables that don't explain what to do with the meter when you aren't using it.

 

[hig789]

As a guy who makes a living selling pH analyzers I'll just say "keep the bulb wet". pH sensitive glass loses sensitivity quickly when it dries out, and I have seen some instruction manuals on these portables that don't explain what to do with the meter when you aren't using it.

Yeah the one I have right now has a piece of sponge in the cap and it was hard as rock and dried out. It said not to use water to keep it wet. What is recommended?

 

[PedroYoung]

You could use some pH buffer/calibration solution. 7 if you have it

 

[PedroYoung]

Actually 4 buffer is best, but not as common in saltwater hobby since pH range is alkaline so most calibrations are done with 7&10 buffers

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

As a guy who makes a living selling pH analyzers I'll just say "keep the bulb wet". pH sensitive glass loses sensitivity quickly when it dries out, and I have seen some instruction manuals on these portables that don't explain what to do with the meter when you aren't using it.

My recommendation is for folks to either keep it in a commercial solution designed for that, or diluted salt water (say, half of normal seawater salinity).

 

[hig789]

I'll just get some storage solution. I am about to place a order with marine depot