Apex pH Probes

I believe I calibrated the pH probes correctly but not "positive".  I followed what the probe guide said to do but I'm having concerns that they are not calibrated correctly.
Here's some backround info: I used a Pinpoint monitor for ages on the 135g before the Apex.  (I didn't test the pH on the 40B as everything seemed fine.)  The pH would run at 8.1-8.2 lights on and 7.8-7.9 lights out.  Just before getting the Apex I started carbon dosing (vodka then switched to vinegar because of high N, bryopsis...and now cyano/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/cry.gif) and the ph dropped to 7.8-7.9 lights on and 7.6-7.7 lights off with no ill effects on the livestock.  After calibrating the probes, here's what I'm getting via the Apex: 135g lights on the highes reading in the past week has been 7.6 and the lowest is 7.2(lights off)/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/sick.gif  For the 40B (on) 7.89 and (off) 7.42/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/sick.gif  During the past 4 days, the reading on the 40B is pretty consistent running 7.7 (on) and 7.42 (off) and the same with the 135- 7.41 (on) and 7.21 (off)


So at 4:30 this morning, I got the Pinpoint monitor out, calibrated and here's the readings: 135g - 7.88, 40B - 7.86
                                                                                                                             Apex   "    - 7.29    "   - 7.47 


My oldest fish, Valentini puffer, was found dead Sunday morning/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/cry.gif  I  have had 2 acro's (40B) go into RTN overnight in the 40B/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/mad.gif  Not saying the pH is definitely the cause of the deaths but it's highly probable.  I have added 2 powerheads for greater surface agitation and 2 airstones (in the sump) in the 135 to increase oxygen levels...no change in the pH though in the 135.


Thoughts?  ( Would anyone consider adding Kalk to the tanks, especially the 135?  AC is on so not much fresh air coming in and I know there are VERY High levels on carbon dioxide in the house).  Thanks for your thoughts/help!


 

 

Great to hear from you Adam!/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/biggrin.gif  Yes, it seems that the problem of low pH started during dosing but why would there be such a huge difference between the Apex probes and the Pinpoint monitor?  I'm almost certain that the pH in the 40B was at least 8.0 over these months since it's been running.  Only dosing vinegar in the 135g.  The only things besides the fish in the 135 are 3 BTA's, a large hammer, cabbage leather and some shrooms.  My fish are healthy and the Valentini was too!  2 days before dying, he was laying low by rocks on the SB which I'd never seen him do in the years I had him...  I'm only dosing 25ml vinegar also (around a month since starting) which is very low. I agree too that pH is overrated but, 7.1 is TOO low. 
Right now the 135 shows 7.35 with lights on and aeration up the patootie and the 40B at 7.56.  The Pinpoint monitor shows 8.0 (135) and 7.9 (40B) with lights on.


I'd like others to chime in also!  More thoughts are always helpful /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/wink.gif


Thanks Adam/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/smile.gif


 

 

No I don't have a pH test kit but I'm going to put that in my order too...good idea/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/biggrin.gif  The calibration solutions were in the packets along with the Apex units

 

I calibrated both probes again using a new packet solution that came with the probes. There isn't an expiration date on them?! I don't think my method is wrong either and the solution being expired could be possible! I put in an order for new solutions(7.0 & 10.0) and salifert pH test. Got them and later today I will run the test on both tanks and compare to what the probes are reading. Then I might just recalibrate them again with the solutions I just received because at least I know that the solutions have not expired :=0) If it doesn't all seem within range, then the probe(s) could be bad.

How long does it take to calibrate a probe? I read from Apex anywhere from a minute, up to 5 minutes. It took about 20 minutes for each probe this time?! Do you swirl the probe a few times in the solution during calibration? Does the display while in calibration mode say "settling" all the time before clicking ok? Or does it say done, press ok ...or something of this sort? Mine just says settling and after the number stays at xyz for 3 minutes, I press ok.

 

Yes.  Alk is fine at 8dKh/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/smile.gif but a good question to ask/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/biggrin.gif  However, you lost the farm!/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/hehe.gif  They are both new probes that had never been used before as they came with my new Apex. 




 What you said about pH is somewhat right: it is an important param but can sometimes be overrated/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/smile.gif  Some tanks thrive with pH at 7.8 and some a little lower than that.  There are probably several members here that can attest to this.  Also,  All pH problems are NOT alkalinity problems./DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/wink.gif   As an example, some homes have high levels of carbon dioxide which surpresses pH.  It is being seen more and more in newer homes because they are more air-tight/DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/smile.gif 

 

Here's the results: Before Calibration.... 135g 7.69  
                                                           40B  7.51
                           Salifert pH test kit.... 135g btwn 7.7-8.0 (i'd say 8.0)


                                                            40B  7.7


                           Recalibrate.new solu    135g  7.66


                                                             40B    7.5


Lights have been off almost 4 1/2 hrs.  Kalk has been added to topoff water on the 135g to see if it can raise the pH.  Will do the same for the 40B later tiday!