Can someone explain pH calibration fluid for me?!

I'm a bit confused on all the different calibration fluids out there, #4, #10, #7 etc....... which ones do I need to calibrate a pH probe and what's a good brand and a good deal?  My husband wants to buy me one for Christmas /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/rolleyes.gif

 

I was woundering the same thing.

 

#4 is acidic, #7 is essentially DI water, and #10 is basic. Calibrate to the fluids closest to your desired reading. Haha, at least that's what we do in lab... (7 should be your low, 10 your high, but this varies by instrument.)  You probably won't need the 4 solution.

 

I agree with h2so4hurts. I use 7 and 9 to calibrate my tank ph probe. I also used 4 and 7 for the calcium reactor ph probe since the ph is supposed to read in the 6.5 range.

Fawn, I have a brand new Profilux probe I can sell you. Retail is $95 but I am selling for $50.

 

Do you have any info on it?  I'm not familiar with that brand........

 

You will need 2 different solutions, one low and one high. For my aqua controller I use the 7 and 10. I always get the small packets that cost $.99 each so you don't have to worry about them getting old. if you are careful how you store them and dont spill any you can even reuse them (although I don't recommend it!)

If you are using it for a calcium reactor you might want to go with the 4 & 7. If you are using it in the display I would stick with the 7 & 10. On the aqua controller you can pick 4,5,6,7,8,9,10 i think.. but usually i only see solution for 4,7,10.

 

I also don't like the milwaukee probes... (only because I bought a new one once and it was defective)

 

Haha, Lee, in lab we have a 100 mL bottle of each. I think they're about a year old /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default/emoticons/tongue.gif If you're careful you don't really have to worry about them going bad. As long as you don't have a ton of evap changing the pH on you.

 

I use the 7 & 10,

I have a Milwaukee meter, but use the Pin Point brand probe. They are the best IMOP.
If you plan to add a calcium reactor, I would go with the Pin Point controller and probe.

 

When you go to calibrate you meter, put your calibration packs, (unopened of course) into your sump for a few minutes to get the solution to your tanks temp. Once thats ready start with the #7 solution adjust the meter to read 7ppm. Rinse the probe then use the #10 solution. I don't readjust unless the #10 reading is way off. If the #10 is off a little, then just take note . Just remember the pH meters for the hobby are not lab quality so they will be off just a little, but as long as they are consistent on the amount they are off then thats OK.

 Hope this helps.

 

Rick